Strategies for Modeling Complex Processes Using Colored Petri Nets

Colored Petri Nets (CPNs) extend the classical Petri net formalism with data, time, and hierarchy. These extensions make it possible to model complex processes as CPNs without being forced to abstract from relevant aspects. Moreover, CPNs are supported by CPN Tools—a powerful toolset that supports the design and analysis of such processes. The expressiveness of the CPN language enables different modeling approaches. Typically, the same process can be modeled in numerous ways. As a result, inexperienced modelers may create CPNs that are unnecessarily convoluted and bulky. Using a running example and a set of design patterns, we show how to solve typical design problems in terms of CPNs. By following these guidelines, it is possible to create succinct, but also comprehensible, models. In addition, we present some new features supported by CPN Tools 3.0 (e.g., priorities and real time stamps) and show how the software can be used for performance analysis (i.e., comparing design alternatives using simulation).