Modelling business processes with workflow systems: an evaluation of alternative approaches

E!ective business process management necessitates a consistent information #ow between the participants in the process, the smooth integration of the #ow of work, the timely sharing of data and information during the planning and implementation phases and harmonious support for the collaborative aspects of work. The recent trends in the development of advanced work#owmanagement systems and technologies seem to be of crucial importance for facilitating these tasks within the process management context. However, work#ow management systems (WfMS) follow various approaches in modelling the #ow of work and hence present varying functionalities when supporting enterprise processes. The present paper examines the ways in which work#ow technologymay facilitate the implementation of process management, reviews the pros and cons of adopting alternative work#ow representation techniques in modelling business processes and provides guidance to managers as to the characteristics, the similarities and di!erences of the various work#ow modelling schemes. 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.