Refining Workflow Modeling: Employing a Hybrid Approach to Boost Efficiency

Abstract

Structured design and formal methods are distinct methodologies within system development. Structured design emphasizes the visual representation of a system, illustrating the arrangement and flow of its components. In contrast, formal methods use mathematical techniques for rigorous analysis and verification of system properties. Both approaches offer unique advantages and applications. To harness the potential benefits of structured design and formal methods, a hybrid approach is suggested to enhance the specification of workflows in business processes. This hybrid methodology seamlessly combines the visual representation of structured design with the precision of mathematical techniques derived from formal methods. Within this hybrid framework, specific primitives are identified, each paired with mathematical rules. These primitives serve as foundational elements for workflow design, providing a structured and visually intuitive representation. The inclusion of mathematical rules establishes a formal foundation, ensuring a clear and unambiguous specification of the workflow. A significant advantage of this hybrid approach is its dual functionality. It not only facilitates the design of workflows by offering a structured and comprehensible representation but also enables the verification of the designed workflows. Leveraging formal methods allows for systematic and mathematical validation of workflow specifications, ensuring consistency, correctness, and adherence to specified rules. By incorporating both structured design and formal methods in this hybrid approach, organizations can benefit from both intuitive visualization and mathematical precision simultaneously. This streamlines the creation of intricate workflows and enhances the overall reliability and verifiability of the designed processes. The synergy between these two approaches contributes to a more robust and effective methodology for specifying and validating workflows in business processes.