Framework for integrating process and data logic: Connecting UML use cases and ER diagrams

Abstract

In this paper we propose a novel framework for providing clear and consistent integration of the process and data logic in the analysis stage of information systems' development lifecycle. While our proposed approach is generally applicable across a variety of modeling schemas, we will discuss it in the concrete context of UML use cases for process modeling and Entity Relationship diagrams for data modeling. We illustrate our approach through an example of integrating a step-by-step process model and the corresponding data model at the attribute level detail. We discuss the potential benefits of this approach by illustrating its potential for providing better conceptual testing early in the analysis process, ensuring better semantic quality of both process and data models.