A Step Towards a Universal Method for Modeling and Implementing Cross-Organizational Business Processes
Gerhard Zeisler, Tim Tobias Braunauer, Albert Fleischmann, Robert Singer
TL;DR
PASS addresses BPMN's execution semantics ambiguity by acting as a formally defined intermediary. The authors develop a BPMN-to-PASS translator, generate executable Python code, and validate two distinct engines (a core ASM reference and a Python-based runner) across multiple modeling tools. The results demonstrate potential for cross-tool and cross-organizational process execution, enabling heterogeneous toolchains to share a common, formal execution substrate. This approach offers a concrete path toward a more unified, interoperable standard for business process modeling and execution, while outlining key challenges in persistence, multi-subject support, and security that require further work.
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.