An Idea on Infinite Horizon Decision Support for Rule-based Process Models

In recent years, process models tend to turn away from common procedural models to more flexible, rule-based models. The models are characterized by the fact that in each execution step users usually have to decide between several rule-consistent tasks to perform next. Precise execution paths are not given, which is why adequate execution support needs to be provided. Simulation is one means to facilitate the users’ decisions. In this context, we suggest an execution simulation tool with an infinite horizon, i.e., in each (simulated) step, users are informed about the tasks that in any case still need to be done to properly finish one process instance, and about tasks that may no longer be executed. The forecasts consider an actual or a simulated history of the process instance and the rules given by the model. Keywords–Process execution; Rule-based process models; Process decision support;