Integrated process modeling for dynamic B2B collaboration

Abstract

This paper proposes an integrated process modeling methodology for dynamic B2B collaboration. The methodology enables a process architect to effectively design an integrated process in dynamic collaboration environments. An integrated process is composed of internal workflow processes and automated processes, and external collaborative processes with web service interfaces. An integrated process is designed with BPMN, divided into the three types of processes, and automatically transformed to XPDL and BPEL for process enactment. Specifically, collaborative processes are mapped to corresponding actual partners through virtual partners. The concept of virtual partners enables effective maintenance of collaborative processes and flexible exchange of trading partners for B2B process integration in dynamic collaboration environments. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.