Generate process fragments

Process data can be retrieved from the application systems in various ways.

Schema: Data extraction

datenimport_1

With SAP R/3, special adapters access operational R/3 document data online and transform the SAP document flows into process descriptions. These adapters are only mentioned here for the sake of completeness.

With all other application systems, process data is imported into the PPM system offline via a generalized XML import interface using a file.

The XML import interface can process two different types of XML files: XML files in PPM graph format and in PPM system event format.

Graph format

Graph format is used to transfer already structured process data from process-oriented application systems (e.g., workflow systems). The application-specific adapter generates XML files, in which process instances including their procedural logic are described in PPM graph format.

System event format

System event format is used for all activity-oriented application systems, in which the information making up the process (procedural logic) cannot be extracted. The system events are interpreted as process fragments.

Example: Assignment of a process fragment to an Order created system event

datenimport_2

A process fragment describes one part of an overall process. It contains at least one function with its triggering and resulting events. A process fragment can be interpreted as an individual operation, an activity or a transaction within an overall process. In addition to the chronological flow, a process fragment can also contain information about the processor of a function in the form of organizational units.

When extracting from source systems, every system event is assigned a process fragment using the mapping definition. The instance data for the system event is written to the objects in the process fragment as attributes.

Using the attribute values of the fragment events, the individual process fragments are then merged into process instances.

Process fragments are only imported into the PPM database if they can be assigned to particular process instances.