ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces new approaches that are data-centric in nature, i.e. they focus on data objects and artifacts as a primary basis for process modeling. It discusses the main data-centric methods based on product data models (PDM) and artifacts. The chapter describes PDM method, followed by a short digression into the value of dual control flow and data flow perspectives. The data flow analysis has two advantages: first, it provides a partial ordering for the tasks; and second, it imposes restrictions on the way in which the process can be reconfigured because of soft constraints. The PDM approach is inspired by the Bill of Materials (BOM) used in manufacturing. The idea behind the PDM approach is to view business processes as ways to create an information product. The chapter shows two abstract task- and data-centric representations of the same process.
