IDEF diagrams and Petri nets for business process modeling: suitability, efficacy, and complementary use

摘要

It is acknowledged that developing dynamic models of business processes prior to their change can contribute towards more successful Business Process Reengineering (BPR) projects. This paper investigates the suitability of IDEF diagrams (IDEF0 and IDEF3) and Petri Nets (DES-nets) for modeling business processes. After an introductory discussion of modeling issues and consequent requirements on modeling techniques, an example case of business process modeling using these modeling formalisms is presented. The suitability and effectiveness of the methods it discussed and a comparative evaluation of their features is provided. The results show that the methods can be employed in a complementary fashion as powerful tools to support a BPR project.