Challenges of Processes Simulation with Dynamic Batch Processing Activities

Abstract

Business Process Management (BPM) often encompasses process improvements based on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Business processes simulation can be used as a tool for estimation of optimization parameters. Commercially available BPM tools in accordance with BPMN 2.0 support have built-in simulation features, which vary in the extent of support to advanced process simulation options. In this paper, we address dynamic batch processing activities as a challenge for BPM tools with simulation features and their dynamic impact on the executing activities. Further on, basic process scenarios examples were used to test and evaluate the capabilities of selected BPM tools, especially in relation to the Time Driven Activity Based Costing model (TD ABC model). The closing part of the paper deals with significant limitations of BPM tools in terms of supporting the batch processing activities, and the comparison with the TD ABC model simulation as a temporary solution to these problems. The main findings of this paper imply that contemporary BPM tools with BPMN 2.0 support still need to implement better options for handling simulation of dynamic batch processing activities.