Towards UML representation for BPMN and DMN models

Abstract

Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standardised Object Management Group (OMG) notation among software engineers. There have been many attempts to design alternatives to UML. Recently, new notations such as Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and Decision Model and Notation (DMN) have been proposed for modelling processes and decisions. These dedicated notations provide a simpler way of capturing functional requirements in a designer-friendly fashion. Moreover, some concepts as rules cannot be directly modelled in UML. Our research considers a method of translating business models such as BPMN and DMN into a set of consistent UML models, which can be later used by business analysts and developers to understand and implement the system. As a single notation design, it allows the user to take advantage of software supporting UML modelling and consistency checking, in addition using such translation can provide additional insights into OMG business models. Furthermore, the design provided in a single notation can be easier to follow and develop. This approach supports also visualisation of rules. It is important to mention that the proposed solution does not extend any custom UML artifacts and can be used with standard UML tools.