Process models expressed in BPMN typically rely on a small subset of all available symbols. In our 2008 study, we examined the composition of these subsets, and found that the distribution of BPMN symbols in practice closely resembles the frequency distribution of words in natural language. We offered some suggestions based on our findings, how to make the use of BPMN more manageable and also outlined ideas for further development of BPMN. Since this paper was published it has provoked spirited debate in the BPM practitioner community, prompted the definition of a modeling standard in US government, and helped shape the next generation of the BPMN standard.
Motivation and Genesis of PaperProcess modeling is not a new phenomenon, but the notations for mapping out process diagrams seem to be in constant state of flux. Established notations are applied, refined, evolve, and are replaced with new notations. Like natural languages, process representations and their associated grammars seem to evolve. The Business Process Model & Notation (BPMN) has evolved since its inception in 2001 and has found its fair share of adopters in both modeling tool vendors, and industrial applications. Since the BPMN notation contains a large number of constructs (compared to older process notations such as Flow Charts, Petri Nets, M. zur Muehlen ( )