Using UML and object-coordination-nets for workflow specification

The specification of intra- and inter-organizational workflows in a manner which scales up to complex workflows across division and company borders is a central issue for present-day workflow modeling. The approach described integrates standard object oriented structure modeling using UML diagrams with Petri net techniques for specifying behavior in order to provide an adequate support for modeling all aspects of workflows. The approach puts its emphasis on structuring and abstraction techniques to manage the size and complexity of real life applications. A contract mechanism is used to ensure the independence of different companies and to permit the reuse of partial workflows in a manner which is secure for the offering as well as the usage side