Analyzing control-flow and data-flow in workflow processes in a unified way

Abstract

Workflow correctness properties are usually defined based on one workflow perspective only, e.g. the control-flow or the data-flow. In this paper we consider workflow correctness criteria looking at the control flow extended with the read/write/destroy information for data items. We formalize some common control-flow errors, and we introduce behavioral anti-patterns related to the handling of data. In addition to extending, refining, and classifying existing methods, our paper provides a unifying framework for complete workflow verification, using the well-known, stable, adaptable, and effective model-checking approach