VIVACE: A framework for the systematic evaluation of variability support in process-aware information systems

Abstract

Context: The increasing adoption of process-aware information systems (PAISs) such as workflow management systems, enterprise resource planning systems, or case management systems, together with the high variability in business processes (e.g., sales processes may vary depending on the respective products and countries), has resulted in large industrial process model repositories. To cope with this business process variability, the proper management of process variants along the entire process lifecycle becomes crucial. Objective: The goal of this paper is to develop a fundamental understanding of business process variability. In particular, the paper will provide a framework for assessing and comparing process variability approaches and the support they provide for the different phases of the business process life- cycle (i.e., process analysis and design, configuration, enactment, diagnosis, and evolution). Method: We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) in order to discover how process variability is supported by existing approaches.Results: The SLR resulted in 63 primary studies which were deeply analyzed.Based on this analysis, we derived the VIVACE framework. VIVACE allows assessing the expressiveness of a process modeling language regarding the explicit specification of process variability. Furthermore, the support provided by a process-aware information system to properly deal with process model variants can be assessed with VIVACE as well.Conclusions: VIVACE provides an empirically-grounded framework for process engineers that enables them to evaluate existing process variability approaches as well as to select that variability approach meeting their requirements best. Finally, it helps process engineers in implementing PAISs supporting process variability along the entire process lifecycle.

Towards Collecting Sustainability Data in Supply Chains with Flexible Data Collection Processes

“…The latter can be related to context variables to enable the application of changes matching to different situations. Finally, [14], [15] provide a comprehensive overview of existing approaches targeting process variability.…”

Towards Simple and Robust Automation of Sustainable Supply Chain Communication

“…One aspect is the extension of process modeling languages to enable configurable process models [3]. Other approaches like [4] target meta-modeling of various different aspects for process variability.…”

Selecting a process variant modeling approach: guidelines and application

“…To overcome issues that relate to the modeling of process variants, various approaches have been proposed to incorporate variant management into the phases of the business process management (BPM) life-cycle [9]. The literature provides a categorization and comparison of available approaches [5,9,10].…”

“…The literature provides a categorization and comparison of available approaches [5,9,10]. However, in real-life settings, it is difficult for an organization to make the proper choice between variant modeling approaches.…”

“…However, in real-life settings, it is difficult for an organization to make the proper choice between variant modeling approaches. Hardly any studies have been performed on the evaluation and comparison of approaches in practice or even the definition of guidelines to support such a selection [9]. The evaluation of variant modeling approach use is even more limited in hierarchical processes [7].…”