[Chapter 9] Process-Aware Information Systems

Question 1

What is a process-aware information system?

Answer 1

Systems that work with automated business processes (process that is automated in whole or in part by a software system, which passes information from one participant to another for action).

Question 2

What is a BPMS?

Answer 2

Business process management system: system that supports the design, analysis, execution, and monitoring of business processes on the basis of explicit process models.

Question 3

Explain the architecture of a BPMS.

Answer 3

Execution engine.
- Creates process instances (cases).
- Distributes work to different participants.
- Retrieve and store data for the process.
Process modeling tool.
- Ability to create and modify processes.
- Ability to add additional data.
- Ability to store, share and retrieve process models.
Worklist handler.
- Participants receive work and commit to these.
External services.
Administration and monitoring tools.

Question 4

State the 4 advantages of BPMS.

Answer 4

• Workload reduction (less coordination and less gathering of relevant information).
• Flexible system integration (easier to change process logic and island automation).
• Execution transparency (who does what and evaluate data stored).
• Rule enforcement (separation of duties and control tasks).

Question 5

What are the challenges of BPMS?

Answer 5

• Technical challenges (logic to be implemented, BPMS does not work in batch, integration of interfaces).
• Organizational challenges (exceptions needs to be all implemented, fears of participants, strong management needed).