Simulating BPMN Diagrams

Get an overview of the AI-assisted BPMN simulation insights feature and the SAP Signavio Process Manager BPMN Simulation tool. BPMN simulation lets you run and analyze processes based on various scenarios. It provides information about cost, cycle times, resources, and bottlenecks.

With the BPMN simulation tool you can visualize process runs and analyze processes based on step-by-step, configurable one-case, and multiple-case scenarios. The simulation provides insights into costs, cycle times, resource utilization, and bottlenecks in your processes.

In addition to the simulation tool, you can run BPMN simulations using Joule.

Simulating BPMN diagrams can help increase process awareness and answer specific questions like:

  • How much does a process run cost on average?

  • How are costs distributed over roles and tasks?

  • How much would 10% more of case X instead of case Y affect the cost?

  • Where is the bottleneck in this process?

  • How much of everyone's time is consumed in this process?

  • How would 20% more requests affect the cycle time?

  • Would another risk analyst speed up the cycle time?

Access the BPMN Simulation Tool

You can access the BPMN simulator in two ways:

  • Open the explorer, select a model and choose Start of the navigation pathEdit Next navigation step Simulate BPMN DiagramEnd of the navigation path.

  • When you've opened a diagram in QuickModel or the diagram comparison tool, expand the user menu and click Simulation.

BPMN Simulation Tool Functions

The simulation tool has the following functions:

  • One-case simulation: Simulate one specific case to analyze costs and time consumption for the case.

  • Multiple-case simulation: Simulate multiple process runs, taking into account configured probabilities and analyzing quantitative data and bottlenecks.

To create and manage simulation scenarios, read the Managing simulation scenarios section.

You can export the results of the multiple-case simulation as an XLS spreadsheet, read the Exporting simulation results section.

If you're unsure what specific metrics in the simulation results mean, read the Simulation metrics result section.

In case you encounter issues with the BPMN simulation tool, read the Troubleshooting issues with the BPMN simulation feature section.