Replaying history on process models for conformance checking and performance analysis

Focus Article

Wil van der Aalst, Arya Adriansyah, Boudewijn van Dongen

Published Online: Jan 30 2012

DOI: 10.1002/widm.1045

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Abstract Process mining techniques use event data to discover process models, to check the conformance of predefined process models, and to extend such models with information about bottlenecks, decisions, and resource usage. These techniques are driven by observed events rather than hand‐made models. Event logs are used to learn and enrich process models. By replaying history using the model, it is possible to establish a precise relationship between events and model elements. This relationship can be used to check conformance and to analyze performance. For example, it is possible to diagnose deviations from the modeled behavior. The severity of each deviation can be quantified. Moreover, the relationship established during replay and the timestamps in the event log can be combined to show bottlenecks. These examples illustrate the importance of maintaining a proper alignment between event log and process model. Therefore, we elaborate on the realization of such alignments and their application to conformance checking and performance analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This article is categorized under: Algorithmic Development > Association Rules Algorithmic Development > Spatial and Temporal Data Mining Application Areas > Business and Industry Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Data Concepts

One event log L (right) and four process models M₁, M₂, M₃, and M₄ (left).

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