BPMN Formalization and Verification using Maude

Abstract

OMG's Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) standard provides an informal specification of a technology independent modelling language for designing business processes. However, BPMN models may include structural issues that hinder their design. In this paper, we propose a formal characterization and semantics specification of well-formed BPMN processes in rewriting logic using Maude with a focus on data-based decision gateways and data objects semantics. Our formal specification adheres to the BPMN standards, verified with respect to the classical workflow soundness definition, and automatically verified using the verification toolkit that Maude includes.