Reduction of data-value-aware process models: A relevance-based approach. Issue 114 (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ordoni, Elaheh; Mülle, Jutta; Böhm, Klemens
• Is Part Of: Information systems. Issue 114(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Workflow management -- Data-value-aware process -- Data-value modification -- Property verification -- State-space reduction; 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.2022.102157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4379

Abstract

Abstract: In many settings, verification of process models hinges on data values . A data value is a value in the domain of a data object, e. g., $ 1000 as the price of a product. Naive exploration of process models with data values, i. e., data-value-aware process models, tends to lead to state-space explosion. To tackle this problem, various reduction techniques have been proposed. These current techniques have a fundamental shortcoming: They do not take the modification of data values by process elements into consideration, in spite of its effects on execution behavior of processes. This may affect the verification result. In this paper, we propose a novel property-specific reduction technique to reduce data-value-aware process models supporting modification of data values. We detect the control-flow nodes and data elements that are necessary to verify a property in question, i. e., elements that are relevant for verification. Then we reduce the data-value-aware process model accordingly. We evaluate our approach by verifying a real-world application: the German 4G spectrum auction model. Highlights: Reducing the state space of process models with modification of data values. Detecting the relevant control-flow and data elements to verify a given property. Reducing the high-level process model to relevant control-flow and data elements. Verifying a real-world application: the German 4G spectrum auction.