Process Model to Meta-Model Transformation for Granular Role Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Business Process Management (BPM) tools lack flexibility in assigning responsibilities to role instances, allowing only bulk assignment of tasks to roles rather than individual instances, which restricts granular control and process tracking in complex systems.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that transforms process models into meta-models using XML-based languages, automatically creating definitions for process object types and assigning responsibilities, enabling individual assignment of tasks to role instances and facilitating more granular control over process execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If responsibilities are assigned to roles in bulk (all developers to all program modules), then the system is easier to operate and manage, but the granularity of control is reduced and individual tracking is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the responsibility assignment mechanism by introducing a meta-model layer that distinguishes between role definitions and role instances. This segmentation allows responsibilities to be assigned at the instance level rather than only at the role level, enabling granular control while maintaining ease of operation through automated transformation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional layer by transforming process models into meta-models, creating a two-level structure where the meta-model defines process object types and the process model instantiates them. This dimensional change enables individual assignment of tasks to role instances while preserving the simplicity of bulk assignment through template-based transformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a meta-model is created to define all process object types and enable individual role instance assignment, then the granularity of control and tracking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining transformation rules that automatically convert process models into meta-models. This preliminary setup of transformation logic eliminates the need for manual meta-model creation, reducing the perceived complexity while enabling fine-grained control through automated instance-level responsibility assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated transformation of process models into meta-models using predefined rules. This self-configuration capability reduces the operational complexity of managing granular assignments, as the system automatically generates the necessary meta-model structure without requiring manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automated transformation from process model to meta-model is implemented, then the productivity of process setup is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the transformation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by defining transformation rules that can be verified and validated. The automated transformation process from process model to meta-model includes built-in verification capabilities that provide feedback on transformation correctness, enabling measurement and detection of the transformation process while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for instantiating a process in a process modelling system may include modelling the process as a process model, said process model comprising process objects and automatically transforming the process model into a meta model, said meta model comprising the process objects of the process model as definitions of process object types in said meta model. Further, a process modelling system and a non-transitory computer readable media containing a computer program for performing said method are provided.