BPMI.org

[gregory_m_keller]

Greetings!

I have a question related to processes which may be recursively used throughout a sub process. In order to articulate the problem space, It may be easier to ‘model’ the issue.




Looking at this model, assume the task/process “Process_A” has been initially identified and modeled. Process_A then flows into into “Process_B” (which is itself a Sub Process). With Process_B exploded, you can see Process_A referenced again in the Sub Process. Process_A then flows to yet another nested Sub Process and within it, contains yet another instance of Process_A.

All instances of the Process_A i mention are identified in red.

With this understood, I am wondering if the BPMN has any explicit rules on preventing this from happening. I suspect not, as it is relatively easy to assemble a use case where this scenario could occur (like “Check Status” or something which is called upon during various parts of the process chain). I couldnlt infer anything in the spec to prevent this from happening.

Any data or guidance here would be so helpful!!

Thanks in advance.

Greg

[Stephen A White]

There is nothing in the BPMN specification that prevents a modeler from recursively calling a Process through a Sub-Process. The specification does not mention this practice, which can be risky, but unless someone can come up with some good reasons why this should not be allowed, I see no reason why this should change.

Also, if someone has a real example of how this is used, then please send it in so that we can post it on our examples section on the bpmn site.

-Steve