Abstract
As a variant of process algebra, π-calculus can describe the interactions between evolving processes. By modeling activity as a process interacting with other processes through ports, this paper presents a new approach: representing workflow models using π-calculus. As a result, the model can characterize the dynamic behaviors of the workflow process in terms of the LTS (Labeled Transition Semantics) semantics of π-calculus. The main advantage of the workflow model's formal semantic is that it allows for verification of the model's properties, such as deadlock-free and normal termination. Moreover, the equivalence of workflow models can be checked through weak bisimulation theorem in the π-calculus, thus facilitating the optimization of business processes
References
Alonso, G. and Mohan, C., 1997. Workflow Management: The Next Generation of Distributed Processing Tools.In: S. Jajodia, L. Kerschberg (Eds.), Advanced Transaction Models and Architectures, Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Bandinelli, S., Fuggetta, A. and Ghezzi, C., 1993. Soft-ware process model evolution in the SPADE environment.IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering,19 (12): 1128–1144.
Bandinelli, S., Fuggetta, A., Ghezzi, C. and Lavazza, L., 1994. SPADE: An Environment for Software Process Analysis, Design, and Enactmen.In: Finkelstein, A., Kramer, J., Nuseibeh, B., editors. Soft-ware Process Modelling and Technology. John Wiley & Sons, London, England, p. 223–244.
Bradfield, C. and Stirling, C., 2001. Modal Logics and Mu-calculi: An Introduction.In: Bergstra, A., Ponse, A., Smolka, S. A., editors, Handbook of Process Algebra. Elsevier Science, p. 293–330.
Casati, F., Grefen, P. and Sanchez, G., 1997. WIDE—A Distributed Architecture for Workflow Management.In: Proceedings 7th International Workshop on Research Issues in Data Engineering, Birmingham, England, P. 76–79.
Ellis, C. and Nutt, G., 1993. Modeling and Enactment of Workflow Systems.In: M. Ajmone Marsan, editor, Application and Theory of Petri Nets (LNCS691), Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, p. 1–16.
Kappel, G., Rausch-Schott, S. and Retschitzegger, W., 1998. Coordination in Workflow Management Systems—A Rule-based Approach.In: Conen, W., Neumann, G., editors, Coordination Technology for Collaborative Applications—Organizations, Processes, and Agents (LNCS 1364), Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, p. 99–120.
Krishnakumar, N. and Sheth, A., 1995. Managing heterogeneous multi-system tasks to support enterprise-wide operations.Distributed and Parallel Databases,3(2). p. 155–186.
Lawrence, P. (editor), 1997. Workflow Handbook 1997. John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Milner, R., 1989. Communication and Concurrency. Prentice Hall, New York.
Milner, R., Parrow, J. and Walker, D., 1992. A calculus for mobile processes, parts I and II.Journal of Information and Computation,100: 1–77.
Milner, R., 1999. Communicating and Mobile Systems: the π-Calculus. Cambridge University Press.
Van der Aalst, W. M. P., 1996. Petri-net-based Workflow Management Software.In: A. Sheth, editor, Proceedings of the NFS Workshop on Workflow and Process Automation in Information Systems, Athens, Georgia, p. 114–118.
Van der Aalst, W. M. P., 1998. The application of petri nets to workflow management.The Journal of Circuits, Systems and Computers,8(1): 21–66.
Victor, B. and Moller, F., 1994. The Mobility Workbench-A Tool for the π-calculus.In: Dill, D., ed., Proceedings of the Conference on Computer-Aided Verification (CAV'94) (LNCS818), Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, p. 428–440.
Zhang, S. S., 1996. From CIMS to dynamic alliance.China Mechanical Engineering,7(3): 17–22.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dong, Y., Shen-sheng, Z. Approach for workflow modeling using π-calculus. J. Zheijang Univ.-Sci. 4, 643–650 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1631/BF02851604
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/BF02851604