Application areas of Modelangelo
What is Modelangelo?
Modelangelo is a modeling tool for the modeling and analysis of knowledge-intensive business processes. Modelangelo is based on the method Knowledge Modeling and Description Language (KMDL®). The software Modelangelo as well as the method KMDL was developed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Norbert Gronau and his research team of the research group Knowledge, Learning, Continuing Education at the Chair of Information Systems, Processes and Systems at the University of Potsdam.
Capture of processes for effective knowledge management in the company
In the process perspective (process view), Modelangelo enables the fast and uncomplicated recording of processes. In the knowledge perspective (activity view), knowledge can be documented and analyzed, thus laying the foundation for effective knowledge management in companies.
Individuelle Anpassungen der Modellierungssprachen
Darüber hinaus können unternehmensspezifisch Anpassungen an den Modellierungssprachen vorgenommen werden (sog. Meta-Modellierung) und eigene Modellierungssprachen graphisch, syntaktisch und semantisch definiert werden. Analysen über die erstellten Modelle können frei definiert werden. Neben KMDL kann Modelangelo auch zur Modellierung mit Ereignisgesteuerten Prozessketten (EPK und eEPK) nach Prof. Scheer genutzt werden.
Analysis of business processes
With KMDL®, Modelangelo enables an extended analysis of business processes with regard to the processing of knowledge and thus offers starting points for improving knowledge work in the company. In addition to the representation of explicit knowledge (e.g. documents and records), the tacit knowledge of the actors involved in the business process can be captured. Thus the entire knowledge base of the company can be represented, which forms the basis for a process-oriented knowledge management.
Identify potential and increase efficiency
Modelangelo enables the creation of different views of the respective process, the verification of the syntactic correctness of the models, the anchoring of the knowledge usage in the process as well as the generation of evaluations and reports. Experts can use Modelangelo to identify potentials in processes using previously defined patterns.
Functions within Modelangelo
Modelangelo has a graphical user interface. The Process Explorer integrated into the user interface displays the structure of the processes with their sub-processes and aggregations. Objects to be modeled can easily be dragged from the palette or from the Explorer into the modeling area.
Expert Tip
While objects from the palette are considered new objects, dragging objects from the Explorer into the modeling area creates a reference to the original object. This is useful, for example, when a role occurs at multiple points in the process.
Currently Modelangelo offers the following functions:
Representation of the process flow with sub-processes
- Graphical editor for modeling knowledge-intensive business processes from a process and knowledge perspective according to KMDL®
- Refinement / Nesting of tasks
- Multilingualism (German, English and Chinese)
- Project management of models, locally or on a server
- Reuse of modeling objects
- Specification of conversion methods
- Loading and referencing the objects in the models
- Process overview to support the navigation in processes
- Typification of meta information of the modeling objects
Analysis and evaluation of the processes
- Syntax checking directly during and after modeling
- Predefined reports
- Report for displaying the knowledge objects available in the process
- Report to show the people who perform a specific task
- Report for the presentation of externalized knowledge objects in a project
- Possibility to create own reports with SQL
- Process pattern recognition
- Model analysis and path analysis
Visualization and export of process models
- Print and export the models as images or PDF
- Presentation mode for discussing process models
- Storage of projects in XML and specially specified KMDL® formats
- Export of all models of a project into a coherent HTML structure, e.g. for storage on the intranet
Installation
Important: Valid Java version
You need a valid Java version to start Modelangelo. Download the appropriate Java version and install it.
Link: Download Java
Download Modelangelo
To download, click on Download. The current version of Modelangelo is displayed. Download the appropriate file. You have the operating system choice between:
- MacOS available as .dmg
- Windows, MacOS and Linux available as .zip
- Windows available as .exe
Installation and starting under MacOS
1. double-click on the downloaded DMG file
2. drag the icon to your Applications folder - done!
3. at the first start please open Modelangelo with the right mouse button and pressed Ctrl key from the programs folder
Installation and starting under Windows
To note: The exe file installs the Modelangelo into your system environment. Here you absolutely need the correct installation of the Java version shown above. If you have problems with this please download the zip-file of the Modelangelo and proceed as follows.
1. open the downloaded ZIP file for unpacking e.g. with WINZIP
2. select your appropriate unpacking location in WINZIP (ideally on the desktop)
3. open the program folder via the Explorer of your computer.
4. drag the unzipped Modelangelo file into the program folder
5. double click on the .jar file to open Modelangelo
6. note: Modelangelo cannot be found via the Windows program list on the left. Create a shortcut instead.
7. To add an icon to the desktop, create a shortcut from the .jar file in the appropriate Modelangelo program folder. Drag the shortcut to the desktop.
8. then open "Modelangelo.jar
First steps
User interface
Basic functions
Basic functions of the Modelangelo software for process model creation using the initial user interface:
1Toolbar
The toolbar at the top (below the menu bar) provides the most important functions. Basic functions include the creation of projects and models, their storage and export.
2 Pallet
The modeling palette on the left side contains a selection of objects (shapes) with which processes can be created. KMDL shapes such as tasks, roles, information systems (information system e.g. MS Outlook) and objects (information object e.g. documents) can be dragged and dropped into the user interface. In the same way, the control flow for connecting tasks and the membership of roles, for example, can be selected. In addition, comments can also be created.
3 Overview
The overview on the lower left shows the model that has just been edited in the general view. This area can be used to navigate in large models.
4 Modeling area
The area in the middle is the workspace, here you can create and edit your process model.
5 Attributes
Under Attributes you can define additional properties and information for your KMDL shapes. To do so, select an object, e.g. a role, and add the "+ symbol" to the properties. You can choose between Text, File Link, Web Link and Model. This enables the creation of groups, local or global variables.
6 Project Explorer
Your current project is displayed in the project folder. It is subdivided into your different models and shows the KMDL shapes you use. By clicking on an object the selected object appears on the modeling surface.
7 Properties
Under Properties (bottom right) you can adjust the layout and design of the selected KMDL shape. For example, name, size and color of the selected KMDL shape can be adjusted.
Terms, shapes, symbols, attributes
From the palette you can drag and drop the corresponding shapes into the modeling area. Shapes include tasks, rolls and machines.
Process
A process is a sequence of various standardized tasks and is carried out according to defined rules. A process has different further components, e.g. interfaces to upstream and downstream processes, input, involved roles, produced and used documents (information objects) and information systems etc. For the labeling of a process nouns are used, for example "software development" or "project financing".
Task
A task, also called process step, procedure or work step, represents a closed fact in the process. For the labeling of tasks, the default object-verb. The verb is always in the present tense, for example "test software" or "procure raw materials". In order to open up the knowledge perspective, knowledge-intensive tasks in the process can be identified and then modeled by activities in the knowledge perspective with respect to the knowledge perspective. Read more about the knowledge perspective in the modeling guide.
Linked operators and control flow
The control flow connects tasks with each other or with link operators and specifies the logical order in which the tasks are executed. The link operators can be used to represent options in the process, e.g.:
- Decision
Exclusive Or (XOR) if only one of the following tasks is performed. - Option
Logical OR, if one or more of the following tasks can be executed. - Link
Logical AND, if all the following tasks are executed in parallel
Role (task manager)
Each task at process level is assigned at least one role, which is responsible for processing the task. No names are given, only the roles of the persons are described in which they are involved in the task in the process. Groups of persons with the department as role can also be represented, for example developers or production The assignment of one or more persons to a role can be represented by attributes.
Information system
An information system stands for the software or communication technology used in the process. From the point of view of information retrieval, an information system serves the computer-supported collection, storage, processing, maintenance, analysis, use, disposition, transmission and visualization of information. Information systems can create or process information objects (e.g. documents) by algorithms such as sorting, combining or calculating mathematical functions.
Process interface
Large process models can be divided into several sub-processes; the linking of these sub-processes is done by the process interface object.
Information object
Information (e.g. documents, work instructions, invoices, recipes, standard operating procedures) is modeled as an information object and can also be the input or output of the process. Information can exist as text, drawings or diagrams on paper as well as in electronic form, in documents, audio files, bitmaps or video formats.
Physical object
Physical objects, e.g. sample goods, logistics aids or tools are modeled if they are required for the purpose of the modeling.
Machine
In the age of cyber-physical production systems, a machine, such as a laser cutting machine or 3D printing unit, can also serve as an information carrier. In contrast to a physical object, machines have a component for information processing. Unlike information systems, machines also have a physical presence.
Membership
Membership means that roles, information objects, information systems and machines are assigned to a task if they are used in this task.
Attribute
Attributes are information assigned to individual objects (e.g. status, number, work instruction, a link to a person's page on the intranet, a reference to a document in the document management system or a link to a function of an information system). The attributes window (bottom center) allows you to enter attributes for the selected object.
Recommendation
Further information on modeling knowledge-intensive processes with the Modelangelo can be found in the book Knowledge Modeling and Description Language 3.0 - An Introduction by Norbert Gronau.
Change language
1. click on the "Window" tab in the menu bar and select "Language" to change the language A further level opens with the selection "German", "English" and "Chinese (traditional)".
2. the new language appears only after a restart of Modelangelo.
Tip
If you want to rename the model elements, you can do so using the Meta-Model.
Create new project or model
1. Select "New Project" on the user interface.
2. To create a new project, you can also click on the "File" tab in the menu bar. Select the item "New". Another level opens with the element "New project...".
3. A new window opens automatically. Give your project a name at Project name.
4. Under "Template" you can choose between the different modeling languages and versions such as EPK and KMDL To model with the current version of KMDL, select KMDL 3.0
5. Optional
Enter the author and an email in the following format "Max Mustermann and Max.Mustermann@t-online.de" or similar.
6. Optional
Enter a URL and add a description to your project.
7. Now click on Done below. You will then be automatically forwarded to the creation of a model.
8. Fill in the corresponding fields in the same way as you create a project. Under Template please select the template "Process View" to create a process model.
9. Finally, click Done to return to the user interface.
10. To edit your project or model information afterwards, click on the Edit tab in the menu bar and select Edit Project or Edit Model.
When to do what
Modeling in reasonable order
Start with the tasks, add the link operators (AND, OR, XOR) and process interfaces and connect these elements with the arrows (Control Flow) and then add roles, information objects and information systems. Connect these with the respective tasks using membership symbols. Finally, edit the desired attributes of the objects.
Open, save and print
Open process model
1. Click on the File tab in the menu bar and select Open...
2. Select a location (e.g. "Programs" or a newly named file folder) and a file name. Please remember both the name and the location.
Note
The desktop can be reached under Home. Under File Type, select the XML File (.xml) format. Finally, click on Save. You will then be automatically redirected to the user interface.
Print process model
Within the menu bar, click on the "File" tab and select "Print" to print the model. Another layer opens with the elements "Print model..." and "Print preview". Then follow the wizard to print your model.
Search
1. If you want to search for specific objects in larger processes, you can do this via Edit -> Search
2. The window displays the locations where the file was found. The found objects are displayed with a red border after closing the search window.
Presenting
1. Click on the Window tab in the menu bar and select Slide Show to start the slide show.
2. The slide show opens. Now switch to the full screen mode. A manual navigation and zooming e.g. with the mouse wheel or pad is possible here.
3. Press the ESC key to leave the full screen mode.
4. To close the slide show, click close slide show.
Exporting
1. Click on the File tab in the menu bar and select Export. In order to export the process model a further level opens with the elements Export model as image and Export model as PDF. If you want to export the process model as PDF, select Export model as PDF. An export as PDF creates a graphic in high print quality.
2. The function Export selected elements as image is useful if you want to export only a section of the process model.
3. Fill in the corresponding fields. The image size can be selected in the range from 456 by 1132 pixels to 4560 by 11320 pixels. The export of the process model is possible in the following formats:
- JPG File (*.jpg)
- BMP File (*.bmp)
- GIF File (*.gif)
- WBMP File (*.wbmp)
- PNG File (*.png)
- JPEG (*.jpeg)
4. Select a file type. Finally, click "Save" to export the process model. You will then be automatically redirected to the user interface.
Process modelling
Simple process model
Start with a process interface
1. If your process to be modeled follows a previous process, you should start with a process interface. (If there is no previous process, skip this point and continue with a task).
2. Drag and drop a process interface from the palette on the left into the modeling area.
3. Give the interface a name by double-clicking the process interface and specifying the name. (here for example "Previous process")
4. Finalize the input by clicking on a location outside the process interface.
Create a task
1. Drag and drop a Task from the palette on the left into the modeling area.
2. Label the tasks with a combination of object and verb, e.g. "Send training program" or "Rate training".
Connect tasks with each other (control flow)
1. Click Control Flow in the palette on the left side. The selection is indicated by a gray background).
2. Select a task in the modeling area from which you want to start.
3. Drag the arrow from the center of the start task to the center of the target task.
4. Similarly, you can connect tasks and link operators (And, Or, Xor) with the control flow.
Insert comments
Optionally, you can supplement the operators' decision by clicking on the line with texts such as "Training completed" or "Training not completed".
Complete process model
Add a role (task owner)
1. Drag and drop a role from the palette on the left side into the modeling area.
2. Add at least one role to each task. These roles will be designated in a person-neutral way and not mentioned by name. You can also use a group of people (e.g. "Human Resources" or "Accounting") as a name.
Link roles with tasks (memberships)
1. Click on Membership in the palette on the left side if you want to create a new role.
2. Now click on the role that you want to associate with the task and drag the membership line from the role icon to the task icon.
Reuse the same role
If you want to reuse an existing role, drag it from the right side of the Project Explorer.
Add an information system
Drag and drop an information system from the palette on the left side into the modeling area and name the information system (in this example "MS Office" and "MS Outlook"). Other examples of information systems are "ERP", "Intranet" or "CRM".
Reuse the same system
If you want to reuse an existing information system, drag it from the right side of the Project Explorer.
Add an information object (document)
1. Drag and drop an information object (e.g. PDF document, invoice or recipe) from the palette on the left into the modeling area.
2. Label the information objects. (in the example here "training program" and "training plan")
Reuse the same document
If you want to reuse an existing information object, simply drag it from the right-hand side of the Project Explorer.
Eine Prozessschnittstelle hinzufügen
1. If your process to be modeled contains subsequent processes, add them with a process interface. (If there are no subsequent processes, skip this point and continue with a process interface).
2. Drag and drop a process interface from the palette on the left into the modeling area.
3. Give the interface a name by double-clicking the process interface and specifying the name. (here as an example "Subsequent process")
4. Finalize the input by clicking on a location outside the process interface.
Abschließen mit einem Prozessrand
1. Complete your process modeling with a process border.
Note
To get a better overview, first zoom out to make your model smaller. This can be done either by WheelZoom using your mouse or touchpad. Alternatively, you can click several times on the magnifying glass (-) in the center of the toolbar at the top.
2. Drag and drop a process border from the palette on the left side into the modeling area.
Note
When modeling vertically, you should insert the process boundary to the left or right of the process model. For horizontal modeling, it is best to place the process boundary above or below the process model.
3. Give the process border a name by double-clicking the process border and specifying the name (e.g. Training / Employee Qualification)
4. Click on the process border and drag it slightly larger than the process model using the green markers.
5. Select your entire process model by clicking on the process model in the upper left corner and dragging it down while holding the mouse button down. The area marked in blue represents your selection. All marked objects are displayed with a dashed outline. Click on an object of your choice of the process model and, keeping the mouse button pressed down, drag the entire process model into the process border. This appears red and then click in the process border. Your entire process model is now embedded in the process border.
6. Finalize the input by clicking on a place outside the process border
