Modern enterprises are increasingly transitioning to executable BPMN and DMN models to resolve the critical conflict between rigid, static IT automation and the dynamic needs of business operations, which often lead to inefficient "shadow processes".
The challenges of static automation and "shadow processes"
The traditional approach to automation, where business analysts design diagrams and developers manually translate them into code, creates bottlenecks with every regulatory change. Due to system inflexibility, users often find workarounds, creating informal communication chains known as "shadow processes." The solution to this problem is transitioning to executable models, where the graphical diagram serves as the direct algorithm for the process engine.
BPMN 2.0 and DMN standards: Decoupling logic and flow
The transition to executable models relies on the international BPMN 2.0 standard (ISO/IEC 19510:2013). It defines graphical elements and an XML schema for direct process orchestration, ensuring that the model aligns perfectly with the actual code.
To prevent BPMN diagrams from becoming overloaded with complex branching, the DMN (Decision Model and Notation) standard is applied. It allows business rules to be separated from the process flow in the form of decision tables. Changing rules, for example in credit scoring, is implemented within the DMN table without redesigning the core BPMN process, minimizing the risk of errors.
Analyzing real-world performance with Process Mining
To identify discrepancies between target models and actual operations, organizations use the Process Mining methodology. It is based on analyzing event logs from information systems, allowing teams to accurately pinpoint bottlenecks and undocumented steps in processes.
Comparing architectural approaches of popular platforms
Modern BPM systems have different architectural focuses:
- Camunda: focused on microservices orchestration and system integration within the Java ecosystem (Java / Spring Boot).
- Scriptum (on UnityBase): a low-code platform for process automation and document management. Thanks to its high-performance JS/UnityBase stack, it delivers rapid development, automatic REST API generation, and built-in access control tools.
- Bonita: focuses on building user-centric applications and custom web interfaces.
- UiPath: specializes in robotic process automation (RPA) and integration with legacy systems via user interfaces without APIs.
How this affects the sector
For the software industry and businesses, adopting these modern BPM platforms means significantly faster adaptation to regulatory changes and market demands. By decoupling business logic from process flows, organizations reduce error rates, eliminate undocumented workarounds, and lower development costs through low-code and microservices orchestration.
How to prepare
To build an agile and resilient process architecture, organizations should take the following practical steps:
- Use open BPMN 2.0 and DMN standards to maintain logic portability.
- Separate architectural layers (user interface, orchestration, business rules, data).
- Combine API-driven orchestration for microservices with RPA technologies for legacy systems.
Prepared by a Software Ukraine member. Original publication.