Formalising UML Activity Diagrams using Finite State Processes
Roberto W. S. Rodrigues · 2000
Among the set of diagrams of UML used to express dynamic aspects of systems, the Activity Diagram (AD) is the only one that deals with Business Processes (BP) and workflows. However, the lack of a well-defined semantics leaves the notation open to many interpretations. In this paper we provide a simple semantics by formalising the UML Activity Diagram using finite state processes (FSP). A given UML AD specification can be analysed by checking its equivalent FSP description using the LTSA model-checker. In addition, LTSA can animate the workflow behaviour from the BP models expressed in UML AD.