Title: Finite automata modelling and analysis of Workflow Management Systems

Authors: Houshang Darabi

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, MC 251, 3031 ERF, 842 West Taylor, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Abstract: We introduce a finite automata based framework for modelling and analysis of Workflow Management Systems (WFMS). Using the workflow behaviour set and its control specifications we develop a workflow control structure. The control structure is used to verify workflow properties such as consistency, redundancy, control switching, scalability and control reconfiguration. Most of these properties cannot be verified by other workflow analysis methods. An order processing example is used for illustrative purposes.

Keywords: workflow management systems; WFMS; finite automata analysis; consistency; redundancy; control switching; scalability; control reconfiguration; workflow control; workflow modelling; business process management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2006.009795

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2006 Vol.1 No.3, pp.388 - 411

Published online: 12 May 2006 *

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