All the diagrams and definitions applicable to simulation using the BPMN notation are contained in the existing browser. Objects are stored in a hierarchy and can be reused by dragging from the browser into diagrams and definitions where appropriate.
The simulation must know which diagram provides the context for the simulation. This diagram does not necessarily have to be at the top of the tree and will be deemed to be the diagram open when the request is made to run the simulation.
You generally start with an Business Process diagram, which describes the overall process of a part of the business or a system. The Business Process diagram is decomposed with other Business Process diagrams that show further detail of the process flow.
When creating a Business Process Flow diagram there are several different Event symbol types. The type of Event that is chosen determines which type of symbol will be represented in the diagram.
Note After drawing and naming the BPMN Event, right mouse click on the symbol and select edit from the floating menu. On the Sim Definition tab choose the BPMN Event Type (Start, Intermediate, End or Message) to determine which type of symbol will be represented in the diagram.
Start Event
A Start Event Symbol represents when BPMN Objects are generated or existing objects from a parent diagram may be received.
Process
A Process Symbol represents who and when the Objects will be generated.
End Event (Result)
A End Event Symbol represents the end result of the process or the passing of generated objects to the next process in the hierarchy.
Intermediate Event (Hold)
An Intermediate Event Symbol represents the Object being held for a specific amount of time before continuing to the next process. No Resources are required.
Gateways
A Gateway Symbol represents the flow of Logic in a process.
Message Flows
A Message Flow shows the flow of messages between two model elements that are prepared to send and receive them. A model element in this case is either an organizational unit, a function, an application, a class, an entity, or a location. The model elements is represented on the BPMN Business Process diagram by a pool or swimlane.
Sequence Flow
A Sequence Flow is used to show the order that activities will be performed in a process flow.
Lanes
A Lane is a sub-partition in a Pool and extends the entire length of the Pool either vertically or horizontally. Lanes are used to organize and categorize activities in a Pool.
Pools
A pool is a graphical container for partitioning a set of processes and tasks from other pools, usually in the context of B2B situations.
Note Pools and Lanes are both represented by the Participant definition.
Event and Process Common Properties
There are a couple of generic properties that will apply to Event and Process symbols on the Sim Definition tab.
Shift
Determines the availability of resources and processes.
Attributes
Allow complex flow logic at junctions and provide the user with information about objects at each stage of the simulation for debugging the model.