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Process Engine Internals

The tSM Process Engine is an integral component of the tSM platform, providing robust and extensible process management capabilities. It is fully aligned with the BPMN 2.0 standard, ensuring compatibility with industry tools such as Enterprise Architect and other modeling solutions. By adhering to BPMN XML standards, with carefully designed custom extensions under the tsm namespace, the tSM Process Engine delivers both flexibility and interoperability.

BPMN Compatibility and Standards​

We believe in the power of BPMN XML as a universal language for process modeling and execution. The tSM Process Engine is designed to:

  • Support native BPMN 2.0 constructs for process, task, and decision modeling.
  • Allow seamless import and export of BPMN XML files for integration with external tools.
  • Extend BPMN XML with the tsm namespace to incorporate advanced configurations unique to the tSM platform.

Engine Based on Activiti with tSM Enhancements​

The execution engine at the core of the tSM Process Engine is based on Activiti, a proven and reliable open-source BPMN execution engine. While Activiti provides a solid foundation, we have enriched its functionality with significant extensions to meet the demands of modern service management.

tSM Enhancements to the Process Engine​

Enhanced Task Management​

  • Task Assignment: Configurable assignment to users, user groups, or teams based on predefined rules.
  • Skill-Based Matching: Automated task allocation using skills and Workforce Management (WFM).
  • Status Management: Customizable statuses, transitions, and associated conditions or privileges.
  • Task Actions: Support for predefined or custom actions to manage lifecycle and status changes.
  • Configuration Profiles: Detailed configuration options for user tasks, including custom forms and rules.

Integration and Extensibility​

  • Custom Connectors: Integration with external APIs and third-party services.
  • Elasticsearch Integration: Advanced indexing and search capabilities for efficient data retrieval.
  • Network Automation: Tight integration with network automation tools to enhance service delivery.

Process Customization and Automation​

  • tSM Expression Language: A proprietary language for dynamic condition handling and data transformations.
  • Process Designer: A user-friendly tool for creating and managing complex workflows within the tSM platform.
  • Process Engine API: A comprehensive API for programmatic interactions with process executions.

State-of-the-Art Execution Engine: Camunda 7 and Beyond​

For most of the underlying process engine features, tSM leverages the upstream Camunda 7 project, which itself builds upon Activiti. Camunda 7 is widely regarded as one of the most advanced BPMN execution engines, providing a robust and scalable foundation for process management.

To stay at the forefront of BPM solutions, we also consult and use other Activiti-based projects, such as:

  • Flowable: A highly scalable BPMN engine that shares its origins with Camunda 7.
  • Activiti: The foundational BPMN engine, which continues to evolve as an open-source project with active community contributions.
  • CIB 7: A fork of Camunda 7 maintained by CIB, offering ongoing support and enhancements.

These efforts ensure that our platform benefits from the latest innovations and best practices in BPM.

Future Considerations and Camunda 7 EOL​

Although tSM uses Camunda 7 as the main upstream project for many features, it has been announced that Camunda 7 will no longer be actively developed after April 2027. This announcement marks a transition for the project, but its open-source nature ensures the availability of alternatives and forks.

Continuation Beyond Camunda 7​

  • CIB 7: A fork of Camunda 7 maintained by CIB is already available, offering ongoing support and enhancements. (Learn more)
  • Potential Forks: The open-source nature of Camunda 7 makes it likely that additional forks or community-driven solutions will emerge, ensuring continuity.

Flowable as an Alternative​

Flowable represents a compelling option for BPMN execution, sharing its origins with Camunda 7 as a fork of Activiti. It offers:

  • BPMN and DMN Compatibility: Comprehensive support for modeling and executing business processes and decisions.
  • Migration Tools: Flowable LEAP ensures a smooth migration path from platforms like Camunda 7.
  • Modern Scalability: A design optimized for microservices and distributed environments.

Camunda 8: A Different Paradigm​

Camunda 8 introduces a cloud-native architecture and operates as an out-of-process service. If your company already uses Camunda 8 as a central process orchestrator, tSM can seamlessly integrate with it as an out-of-process engine. While doing so, it still leverages the unique features and extensions of the tSM Process Engine, embedding it deeply within the tSM platform and enabling seamless integration with other tSM modules. However, for use cases requiring in-process execution, other options remain more suitable.

Commitment to BPM Standards and Customer Success​

The tSM Process Engine is designed with adaptability in mind:

  • Fully aligned with BPMN standards for compatibility and flexibility.
  • Enhanced with powerful extensions to meet advanced service management needs.
  • Architected to accommodate future engine implementations seamlessly.

By leveraging BPMN standards, enriching the engine with tSM-specific features, and maintaining flexibility in execution engine choices, tSM ensures a future-ready solution for your business process needs.