Transformation of BPMN models of business processes into models using colored Petri nets

Abstract

Modeling business processes followed by their simulations is crucial in running efficient and effective businesses. However, the whole analysis process can sometimes be very complex and time-consuming. A new methodology called PetriBPMN has been proposed to simplify this process. The methodology describes the entire process of how to automatically transform initial models defined in reduced formalism BPMN-light into CPN (Colored Petri net) models. CPNs enhance BPMN-light models by incorporating color annotations, enabling the representation and simulation of complex system states and resource allocation. The transformation process involves mapping BPMN elements to CPN constructs while preserving the semantics of the original model. This approach provides a bridge between the intuitive visual representation of BPMN and the analytical power of CPNs, enabling a more thorough understanding of process dynamics. Real-world case studies were processed to evaluate the practical usability and speed of comprehension facilitated by the new reduced BPMN-light formalism, which minimizes the learning curve by using a minimal set of core elements in BPMN specification. As a result, the BPMN-light converter web application following the PetriBPMN methodology was created to construct, edit, and transform BPMN-light files. This enables people in the industry to convert multiple XML files of the BPMN-light diagram into XML files of the CPN model easily and fully automatically.