Enriched multi-process modelling in support of the life cycle engineering of Business Processes

Abstract

A new approach to enterprise modelling is described that facilitates the reuse of multi-perspective models of Business Process networks. The approach has been designed to advance current best practice when engineering change to interdependent Business Processes of types commonly deployed within Manufacturing Enterprises. The approach is unique in the way it maintains coherence between (1) conventional enterprise models, used primarily to represent graphically (at multiple levels of abstraction) relatively enduring properties of Business Process networks; and (2) dynamic models of selected segments of a parent Business Process network, which can be computer-executed via conventional simulation modelling and workflow modelling technology. Thereby, context-dependent dynamic models can be used to replicate and analyse historical patterns of enterprise behaviour, and predict and analyse possible future patterns of enterprise behaviour, should selected elements and parameters of the modelled Business Process network be changed. The paper also considers ‘needed decision support capabilities’ during Business Process Reengineering and Business Process improvement projects. In so doing, it collates those decision support requirements identified into a generalized description of the life phases of such projects. This generalized description was used to help structure the design of the new enterprise modelling approach. Furthermore, it is used to help illustrate an example application of the new modelling approach.