BPMN tools---a comparative analysis to improve interoperability
Abstract
The purpose of this research study was to investigate whether the interoperability across different vendor implementations of the BPMN 2.0 standard can be improved. The study attempted to identify significant discrepancies in the process modeling and execution notations as supported by three BPMN modeling tools with respect to the BPMN 2.0 specification. The three BPMN 2.0 tools included MID Innovator for Business Analysts, Activiti BPM Platform, and Trisotech BPMN 2.0 Modeler for Visio. An evaluation framework was used to compare the selected tools based on three classes of BPMN 2.0 objects – SIMPLE, STANDARD, and COMPLETE. Furthermore, the study tested the ability of the three tools to exchange process models in order to improve the interoperability across the tools. It was observed that there are noteworthy differences between the three tools with respect to their support for BPMN 2.0 notations and the corresponding XML process definition formats. As a result, none of the three tools can seamlessly exchange process models. Attempts were made through this study to modify the XML process model definitions to enable sharing of process models between the tools. Thus, the author identified gaps between the tools and suggested ways for bridging the identified gaps, consequently facilitating the exchange of process models. The research focused on enhancing interoperability and discusses its necessity in domains such as supply chain management (SCM), customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and electronic commerce (E-commerce). ^
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
Jeffrey L. Brewer, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Business Administration, Management|Information Technology
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