Simulation-Supported Workflow Optimization in Process Engineering

Abstract

The results of IMPROVE, which are extensively described in this book, are generally interesting for industrial users. In this transfer project, the insights gained in subproject I4 are expanded for the simulation-supported planning of process design and development projects with partners from the chemical and software industries. The planned activities are presented in this section. The goal of the transfer project is the interactive, in parts even automated transformation of work process models – which are created using the participatory C3 modeling method – into workflow models suitable for simulation studies. The required formal representation of workflows is based on Timed Stochastic Colored Petri Nets. That way, the systematic variation of organizational and technological influencing factors and the analysis of organizational effects becomes possible. By providing this simulation method already in the planning phases of design and development projects, precise prognoses for better project management can be achieved.