Semantic Annotation for Process Models: - Department of Computer ...

Chapter 7
Exemplar Studies and
Application System
Having the methodology guidance and tool support, we can demonstrate the semantic
annotation approach in exemplar studies. In the study, we have process models that
describe a same business domain (logistics process) but are modeled in different modeling
languages and by different enterprises. We need domain and goal ontologies about
such a business domain for the annotation. Since there are no formal logistics ontology
available, we formalize the SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference-model) [163]
specifications into logistics domain and goal ontologies using OWL. Following the semantic
annotation framework and methods, we deploy the annotation by using Pro-
SEAT. Complete annotation results are used in the evaluation phase to validate the
applicability of the semantic annotation approach in a process knowledge management
application. Therefore, a system architecture is also depicted in this chapter to exploit
a process knowledge management application based on the semantic annotation
framework.
7.1 Semantic Annotation Procedure
The semantic annotation employed in the exemplar studies consists of four phases: profile
annotation, meta-model annotation, model annotation and goal annotation (Figure
7.1). In a profile annotation phase, the annotator inputs basic information following
the format of metadata which has been defined in Table 4.1. A general process ontology
is employed to map process modeling constructs in a meta-model annotation. Based on
the meta-model annotation results, PSAM can be initially generated for a new model
annotation. The model content represented by PSAM is then annotated with the domain
ontology in the model annotation phase. A goal annotation is employed as a
succeeding step of the model annotation, i.e. annotating PSAM with goal ontology.
Generally, the meta-model, model and goal annotation phases should be implemented
step by step in a sequence, but the profile annotation can be made at any time. For
example, the URI of the domain ontology can be inputed when the domain ontology is
loaded for the model annotation. After completing all the four phases, process models
become the process knowledge represented in PSAM models.
103