Automated validation and verification of process models

In process programming, processes are modeled as pieces of software, and a process programming language is used to specify the process. Such a language resembles a conventional programming language, providing constructs such as iteration and selection. This approach allows models to be simulated and enacted easily. However, it also suffers from the same problems that plague traditional programming, such as the question of whether the program itself is semantically correct or contains errors. We present an automated approach for detecting errors in such process models. Our approach is based on static code analysis techniques. We have developed a tool to analyze processes modeled using PML and have subsequently successfully redesigned models using our tool.