A Step Towards a Universal Method for Modeling and Implementing Cross-Organizational Business Processes

TL;DR

This paper explores using the formal PASS framework as an intermediary to translate and execute BPMN models, aiming to improve cross-organizational process modeling consistency and execution accuracy.

Contribution

It introduces a prototype translator converting BPMN to PASS, enabling more reliable and standardized execution of business processes across different platforms.

Findings

PASS integration improves tool compatibility

Enhanced accuracy in process execution across organizations

Prototype demonstrates feasibility of the approach

Abstract

The widely adopted Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is a cornerstone of industry standards for business process modeling. However, its ambiguous execution semantics often result in inconsistent interpretations, depending on the software used for implementation. In response, the Process Specification Language (PASS) provides formally defined semantics to overcome these interpretational challenges. Despite its clear advantages, PASS has not reached the same level of industry penetration as BPMN. This feasibility study proposes using PASS as an intermediary framework to translate and execute BPMN models. It describes the development of a prototype translator that converts specific BPMN elements into a format compatible with PASS. These models are then transformed into source code and executed in a bespoke workflow environment, marking a departure from traditional BPMN implementations. Our findings suggest that integrating PASS enhances compatibility across different modeling and execution tools and offers a more robust methodology for implementing business processes across organizations. This study lays the groundwork for more accurate and unified business process model executions, potentially transforming industry standards for process modeling and execution.