Object-orientation in business process modeling through applying event driven process chains (EPC) in UML

Object-orientation is the most common approach for implementing information systems. On the other side, methods to improve business strategies and business operation Like business process reengineering are usually process oriented. Since requirements for information system implementation are derived from business analysis, an integration of process orientation and object-orientation is mandatory. Event-driven process chains (EPC) are widely used for modeling, analyzing and redesigning business processes. The resulting EPC models are used as a starting point for the development of information system and for the definition of workflows. They can be applied for simulation and activity based easting. A major area of application is the implementation of standard software packages, because many vendors have documented their software's processes with EPCs. Since UML, diagrams as the upcoming standard for object-orientated design do not yet cover all aspects required for the above mentioned application areas, an integrated approach is necessary for describing the dependencies between event-driven process chains and UML diagrams, In this paper, such an integrated approach is presented.