Integrating Processes, Cases, and Decisions for Knowledge-Intensive Process Modelling

Knowledge-intensive processes require flexibility and scalability in modelling, as well as profound integration of data and decisions into the process. Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) is a pertinent modelling method for processes. Until lately decisions were regularly modelled as a part of the process model in intertwined paths and gateways, negatively affecting the maintainability, comprehensibility and flexibility of processes as well as decisions. The recent introduction of the Decision Model and Notation (DMN) standard provides an opportunity for shifting in favour of a Separation of Concerns between the decision and process model. Likewise, the Case Management Model and Notation (CMMN) standard provides a method for modelling loosely structured processes in the form of cases. These three Object Management Group (OMG) standards are developed to be mutually intelligible. Previous work discusses for which modelling endeavours the separate methods should be employed. However, a clear approach towards consistently integrating the process, case, and decision concerns has still not been proposed. In this paper, we shed a light on the importance of the separation of concerns and identify inconsistencies that might arise in terms of integrated process, case, and decision modelling. Additionally, we provide a first attempt at guidelines aiming to remedy potential incompatibilities and inconsistencies.