Comparing Process Models Beyond Structural Equivalence

Numerous approaches exist for the structural comparison of processes, focusing on functional and control-flow perspectives. However, such analyses fall short when it comes to facilitating the transfer of processes between different organizations. Successful adoption requires a broader consideration of organizational context, tools, and other pertinent factors. Notably absent from current discussions is an exploration of whether processes that are structurally similar also exhibit similarity across additional perspectives, and to what extent they resemble each other. In this paper, we propose measures of equivalence and similarity for processes beyond their structural aspects. Additionally, we present approaches for aligning processes that exhibit structural similarity but may differ in other important respects. By doing so, we contribute to filling the void in existing research and offer practical insights for process transfer and integration across organizational boundaries. Our findings have implications for both academia and industry, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of process comparison and facilitating smoother transitions in process adoption and adaptation.