Title: Modelling and simulation of complex workflow processes using multi-level Petri nets

Authors: Marina Flores-Badillo, Ernesto Lopez-Mellado, Mayra Padilla-Duarte

Addresses: Cinvestav Unidad Guadalajara, Av. Cientifica 1145, Col. El Bajio. 45015 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico. ' Cinvestav Unidad Guadalajara, Av. Cientifica 1145, Col. El Bajio. 45015 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico. ' Cinvestav Unidad Guadalajara, Av. Cientifica 1145, Col. El Bajio. 45015 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico

Abstract: A method for modelling complex workflow processes using a Petri Net (PN) based multilevel formalism is proposed; it yields modular and hierarchical descriptions of the organisation (or network of organisations), the processes, resource management and user interactions. The models allow the synthesis of agent based software in which mobile agents guide the cases through the organisation units; the software can be interactively executed for simulation purposes or distributed within a computer network for implementing a workflow management system. A tool for editing and simulating the models is presented.

Keywords: workflow processes; hierarchical models; multi-level Petri nets; simulation; modelling; resource management; user interactions; workflow management; mobile agents; multi-agent systems; agent-based systems; MAS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2008.023682

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2008 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.205 - 214

Published online: 07 Mar 2009 *

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