BPMN 2.0 Interchange: W5 Denis Gagné, CEO & CTO Trisotech BPMN 2.0 FTF Member XPDL 2.2 and 3.0 Co-Editor

Abstract Interchange (via some form of serialization) was one of the most cited shortcomings of the first version of BPMN. With the advent of BPMN 2.0 it is now possible to interchange BPMN process models and diagrams. In this chapter, we abstract away from the technical details of BPMN 2.0 interchange serialization to explore BPMN 2.0 interchange from a business perspective. We start by providing some insight as to WHY BPMN 2.0 interchange is desirable. We then postulate as to WHO benefits from such interchange and what kind of benefits each stakeholder obtains from the open interchange of BPMN 2.0. We then present in simple terms WHAT can be interchanged using the various types of BPMN 2.0 models and diagrams cautioning the reader of the pitfalls from what we call the BPMN 2.0 devil’s quadrants. We then argue that while BPMN 2.0 interchange standardization is required, it is not sufficient, and explain HOW interchange conformance verification and validation can act as a catalyst to universal BPMN interchange. We conclude by postulating that the answer to “ WHEN will BPMN 2.0 interchange be feasible?” is now.

My Goal Present BPMN 2.0 interchange from a business perspective Abstract way from the technical details

Agenda Why is Interchange Desirable? Who Benefits from Interchange? What can be Interchanged? How can Interchange be Enabled? When will Interchange be Possible?

BPM Discipline, Standards and Enabling Technology BPM Enabling Technology BPM Relevant Standards BPM Discipline Stimulated by Facilitated by Relevant to Conformant to

BPMN Stakeholders Business Analysts Technical Developers Business People (employees) Business Partners

Model-once- open- anywhere File Interchange Unique interpretation Universal Understanding Some BPMN Goals

Why is Interchange Desirable? To increase, stimulate, facilitate: Understanding Adoption Interoperability Repurposing Migration Creates an open market allowing: Cost Reduction Remove Vendor Lock In Best of Breed Choice within tool categories across tools categories (Suites)

Who Benefits from Interchange? Business Partners Business People Business Analysts Technical Developers  Choice in tools  Speed of deployment  Readily available Skills  Flexibility  Agility End Users  Attract and retain customers  Demonstrate market leadership  Create competitive advantage  Develop and maintain best practice Vendors ExecutionSimulationModelingAnalysis

More than a notation BPMN 2.0Syntax Concrete Syntax Abstract Syntax Semantics Notational symbols and graphical representation underlying computer- interpretable representation Notation Meta- model

What is Interchanged? BPMNDI Abstract Syntax DiagramModel BPMN 2.0 Interchanged Reference instance Serialized XSD Based XMI Based

What is Interchanged? BPMN 2.0 Interchange DiagramsModels Tool Smart Colors Correctness

Informative Imparting knowledge, Instructing, Interpreting, Enlightening Descriptive Serving to describe or characterize by description, Supports interpretation Prescriptive Giving instructions, Being directive (Flexible guidance vs Strict enforcement) Visualizing Call for actions, Interaction & commitment, Customized view Structuring / Analyzing Structuring the process, Allocating resources, Estimating, Improving, Optimizing Enacting / Automating Monitoring commitment, Assessing progress, Controlling compliance DiagrammingModeling Unique Semantic Uniform Interpretation Model with a Purpose If your goal is: Aim to be:

BPMN’s Devils Quadrant OrchestrationChoreography Communication Execution In BPMN It is possible to model the same process in many different ways Each model or diagram may be quite adequate for the intended purpose but simply incorrect for other purposes

“ A Model Ultimate Property: Usefulness The World ? Mental Model The Model The Future Purpose & Context Useful Predictions Confirmation Measurements Modeling All models are wrong some are useful

How can Interchange be Enabled BPM Standards: Necessary but not Sufficient

BPM Standards Adoption End Users Vendors BPM Standards Adoption

V&V Verification Verification is a Quality Control (QC) "Are you building it right?" "building it right " checks that the specifications are correctly implemented by the system Structural testing (white box) This can be objective if the specifications are sufficiently precise Validation Validation is a Quality Assurance (QA) "Are you building the right thing? " "Building the right thing" refers back to the user's needs Functional testing (black box) This is difficult to determine and involves subjective judgments

Verification Verify or Identify Global Conformance and Conformance Subclasses The XSD is more relax then the Metamodel Need to Verify it is valid xml it is schema valid it is valid as to the structural constraints of the metamodel Verify that the provided file meets the specified standard Notion of container

Validation Validate that the content of the provided file is valid with respect to the specified standard Notion of content Ensure Syntax Rules are respected Allowing work in progress interchange

When will Interchange be Possible?  A Platform providing conformance V&V  Vendor Independent but supported by vendors  Showcases Commitment in Standards A self-service conformance assurance platform for BPMN 2.0 interchange files is required.

Business Process Incubator BPMN 2.0 Interchange is Possible Now