Simulation and analysis of business processes using GOLOG

Abstract

This paper describes a novel approach to simulating and analyzing business processes using GOLOG, a high-level logic programming language suitable for defining complex behaviors and capable of simulating action execution. The language is based on an extended version of the situation calculus and incorporates a formal theory of action. Business processes can be viewed as actions (physical or perceptual) that affect the state of affairs or an agent's knowledge of this state. Using GOLOG, business processes can be specified, synthesized and tested for feasibility and consistency. The theoretical framework behind GOLOG includes a solution to the frame problem for perceptual and complex actions, as well as, a formal method for process analysis. The latter uses a solution to the ramification problem for proving the satisfaction or violation of constraints. In case this is not possible, the method proposes strengthenings to the processes' pre- and post-conditions, so that any implementation that meets the process specification, provably guarantees that constraints will not be violated. In this manner, business process reengineering can be assisted by a formal analysis and simulation tool for testing the consistency of the process model.