Transformation and Visualization of BPMN Models to Petri Nets

Abstract

The Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) is a language for capturing business processes. It is able to model the complex concepts of systems such as: choice, parallel, and synchronization. However it suffers from the lack of an unambiguous definition, so we may produces models with semantic errors. On the other hand, Petri nets are a formal tool with solid mathematical principles [4]. Moreover, it offers a number of analytical techniques. So Petri nets and BPMN have complementary abilities: BPMN can handle the modeling and Petri nets can handle the analysis. In this paper, we propose an approach for transforming BPMN models to Petri nets models, then assign coordinates of Petri nets elements and control the path of every arc. Finally, we get a valid and neat Petri net model which is both convenient and practical for human analysts and other Petri nets analysis techniques.