A First-Order Logic verification framework for communication-parametric and time-aware BPMN collaborations. Issue 104 (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Houhou, Sara; Baarir, Souheib; Poizat, Pascal; Quéinnec, Philippe; Kahloul, Laïd
• Is Part Of: Information systems. Issue 104(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: BPMN -- Formal semantics -- Collaboration -- Communication -- Time -- Verification -- First-Order Logic -- TLA+ -- Tool; Database management -- Periodicals; Electronic data processing -- Periodicals; Bases de données -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Informatique -- Périodiques; Database management; Electronic data processing; Periodicals; 005.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.is.2021.101765
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4379

Abstract

Abstract: The BPMN standard notation allows business process designers to model both intra-organizational processes and inter-organizational collaborations. A great effort has been devoted in proposing formal semantics for BPMN, and, fewer, in providing dedicated verification tools. Still, some advanced features of BPMN, namely communication or time-related constructs, are often set aside. This becomes an issue as BPMN gains interest outside of its original scope, e.g., for the IoT where communication and time play an important role. In this paper, we propose a formal semantics for a subset of BPMN. This semantics takes into account not only the usual gateways, but also sub-processes, inter-process communication, and time-related constructs. In contrast to transformational approaches, which give a semantics to BPMN by mapping it to some formal model (e.g., transition systems or Petri nets), our approach is based on a direct formalization in first-order logic that is then realized in a straightforward way into the TLA + formal language. We build on the TLA + model-checker, TLC, to provide process designers with a verification framework, fbpmn, that one may use to check BPMN and workflow specific properties. Our tools and our model database are open source and freely available online. Highlights: A direct formal semantics for a subset of BPMN, including sub-processes, communication and time constructs. Automated verification of intra-organization workflows and inter-organization collaborations. Seven models for communication, two models for time. Communication models and properties of interest are easily extensible. Open source and freely available tools and model repository.