Simplification rules and linear temporal inference of workflow models based on Fuzzy-Timing Colored Petri Nets

Modeling of distributed collaborative workflow system and time performance analysis has been recognized as one of the most significant content in workflow theory. The description of different cases, time performance analysis and optimization in workflow management system (WFMS) should be considered in traditional workflow models based on Petri nets. To solve this problem, the definition of fuzzy-timing colored Petri nets (FTCPN) and its simplification rules are presented. The four basic workflow components based on FTCPN and their linear temporal inferences are provided. Finally, taking collaborative product conceptual design of automobile body as an example, whose workflow model is constructed to apply the proposed methods in this paper, the correctness of FTCPN workflow models is validated. Our study indicates that FTCPN can roundly describe the uncertain time information and work state of different cases in complex workflow system, and has the important reference value in enriching the theory of distributed workflow modeling in WFMS.