The BPM-X Converter facilitates the exchange of process models and process descriptions between different modelling tools, as well as between modelling components of workflow or business process management systems. In doing so, in addition to the technical connections to many different tools, the content transformation stands as a bridge between the different modelling methods of the respective tools.
As a rule, the model is exported from the source system in the XML format belonging to the tool. The BPM-X Converter reads in the model and transforms it in a format suitable for the target system. At the same time, it transforms the contents in the method required by the target system. Not only a technical format change, but also a substantially more complicated methodical model transformation takes place.
Because the transformation rules differ for various modelling tools, methods used and purposes, these can be individually defined with the help of the BPM-X Administrator. In this manner, it can be identified which element type of the source method should be converted into which element type of the target method. Thus, in the simplest case, it can be stated that an "activity" or a "partial process" is converted into a "function", an "actor" in a "role" etc. In addition, more complicated transformation rules can also be established.
In this manner, different process descriptions can be transferred to each other, such as flowcharts, EPKs, BPMN models, UML activity diagrams, BPEL files and the numerous proprietary formats of the different tools. Predefined transformation rules are available for the most important transformations between the tools connected to the BPM-X Converter. Other transformations can be easily defined with the help of the BPM-X Administrator.
A range of important tools for process modelling as well as process definition is already connected, such as ARIS, Visio, Semtalk, TopEase and SAP Solution Manager. Other tools are in preparation. A connection can be also carried out by third party vendors and tool manufacturers themselves. Moreover, a neutral interface was developed and published for the BPM-X Converter.
