Visual Decision Modeling for IoT-Aware Processes

Abstract

The enactment of real-world-aware business processes involves multiple interconnected devices. While the latter form the basis of the Internet of Things (IoT) and enable the exchange and collection of physical data via the Internet, Business Process Management (BPM) enables analyzing, modeling, implementing, executing, and monitoring business processes. In IoT-aware processes decision making may depend on the data provided by multiple IoT devices, which results in decision rules of complex structure. In this paper, we present two approaches for the visual modeling of decisions in IoT-aware processes. The first approach allows for the visual representation of complex decision rules by extending Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) 2.0. The second approach separates decision logic from process logic using a drag&drop modeler. With both these approaches, IoT involvement in decision making becomes apparent and complex decisions can be represented in an intuitive and simple manner.