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most important criterion after the quality. From paths 2 and 4 we now select
the one with the lowest cost (path 4).
3.3 Derivation of Process Models
After the determination of the optimal path in the PDM with respect to a
certain criterion, a process model can be generated for the monitoring process
(see Fig. 4). Several algorithms have been proposed to transform the PDM into a
process model executable, for instance, by a workflow management system [22].
We use the algorithm described in [19] to automatically generate a process model
for the optimal path of the PDM. This algorithm is implemented in the ProM
framework for process analysis [20]. The resulting process models of our three
optimal paths are discussed below. These process models are represented in the
Petri Net language. The transitions (squares) represent the operations in the
PDM and are named after the output element of the operation, e.g. transition
MON
indicates the operation that produces data element
MON
based on the
input elements
PAY
and
PRO
.
A
-path.
Fig. 4(d) shows the process model for the optimal path with respect to
the availability. There are two parallel branches in the process model that can be
executed concurrently: (i) a branch in which first the element
PF
is determined
followed by the element
PAY
, and (ii) a branch in which
SPH
is determined
followed by
PRO
.Oncebothelements
PAY
and
PRO
are determined, the final
element
MON
can be produced. Note that the black activity at the left hand
side of the process model is a 'silent' activity, i.e. it is added only for routing
purposes but does not process information. Using this process, the consumer
retrieves monitoring information on the progress of its request only from the
supplier and information on the payment only from the factor.
C
q
-path.
Fig. 4(e) depicts the process model for the optimal path
C
q
. Again
there are two parallel branches in the process model, both providing input to
produce
MON
. On the one hand,
PAY
is obtained using
PS
first. On the other
hand,
PRO
is determined by
E1H
and
E2H
, which can be determined in parallel
as well.
Q
c,a
-path.
Fig. 4(f) shows the process model for the optimal path
Q
c,a
.Itis
similar in structure to the process model of Fig. 4(e), but it uses elements
PF
,
E1L
,and
E2L
in place of
PS
,
E1H
,and
E2H
, respectively.
4
Implementing the Methodology
In this section we discuss the last step of the methodology proposed in this paper
(see Fig. 2), i.e. its implementation in a service-oriented environment.
We take a service-oriented approach to the definition of the product data and
the implementation of monitoring processes (see the architecture in Fig. 5(a)).
The combination of PBWD and service orientation for design and execution of
monitoring processes, respectively, can address the need for structural and oper-
ational dynamicity in business networks [9]. Concerning network structure, the