Transformation from CIM to PIM Using Patterns and Archetypes

Model transformations form a key part of MDA (model-driven architecture). Most of the studies deal with the transformations from PIM (platform-independent model) to PSM (platform-specific model) and PSM to Code, but very few deal with the transformation from CIM (computation-independent model) to PIM. This last transformation usually depends on business analysts´ and software architects´ experience and creativity. This paper proposes a disciplined approach to transform a CIM into a PIM. It first uses UML2 activity diagrams to model the business processes up to the users´ tasks. The activity diagrams are then detailed to specify the system requirements. The system components are directly deduced from the requirement model elements. Finally, a set of business archetypes helps detail the system components to yield the PIM. The same approach applies equally to CIM and PIM built to model inter-enterprise processes and systems. A case study illustrates our approach. It demonstrates how it reinforces the components traceability and reusability and how it globally improves the modeler´s efficiency. Furthermore, the use of the activity diagrams, as a single technique to build business process and requirement models, is an important facilitator which prepares our further work to automate this approach.