Simulation-based performance and reliability analysis of business processes

The use of process modeling combined with the use of simulation-based analysis provides a valuable way to analyze business processes (BPs) and to evaluate design alternatives before committing resources and effort. The simulation-based analysis of BPs usually addresses performance in terms of efficiency, i.e., focusing on time-related properties (e.g., throughput or execution time). Differently, this paper proposes an automated method for the analysis of BPs in terms of both efficiency-related performance and reliability. In addition, the method allows business analysts to carry out a joint performance and reliability analysis by introducing a so-called performability attribute. The proposed method is illustrated by use of a running example dealing with a conventional e-commerce scenario.