Beat the Human
Manual arrangement of BPMN diagrams is slow and inefficient. The "Beat the Human" team developed a high-performance, intelligent algorithm for METTEX AG that automatically transforms raw unordered process models into standardized, professional BPMN layouts in milliseconds.
Noah Agostinis & Ömer Aktas & Visar Bektesi & Teodor Petrov & Mike Zwicky, 2026
Art der Arbeit Projektarbeit/Praxisprojekt
Auftraggebende METTEX AG
Betreuende Dozierende Hanne, Thomas
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METTEX AG utilizes the Flowler software to visualize business processes based on the BPMN 2.0 standard. Currently, diagrams are automatically generated using an integrated algorithm. To improve modeling efficiency, METTEX AG requested an enhanced algorithm that produces human-quality layouts, validated using a dataset of more than fifty real-world process examples.
The project began with research and analysis of the fundamental graph problems that arise, identifying them as computationally complex. To address this, the team adopted the Sugiyama layered framework but significantly modified it. Potential technical and conceptual risks were identified and managed at an early stage. The solution was implemented as a modular Java pipeline integrating the Eclipse Layout Kernel and Flowable libraries. The algorithm was iteratively tested, refined, and benchmarked against the provided dataset to ensure robust performance across various diagram topologies.
The project delivered a standalone, high-performance Java layout engine with comprehensive documentation, ready for integration at METTEX AG. The algorithm arranges BPMN diagrams in under 20 milliseconds on average, enabling real-time user interaction. All generated diagrams are fully compliant with BPMN 2.0 standards and preserve the logical left-to-right flow essential for readability. The algorithm converts purely semantic input into structured, logical diagrams that clearly express the narrative flow of the business process. By effectively balancing hard and soft constraints, such as lane containment and the reduction of flow crossings, the system produces layouts comparable to those created by humans. For METTEX AG, this results in immediate operational efficiency, as manual layout adjustments are no longer required. The modular architecture ensures maintainability and scalability. Additionally, the use of permissive open-source components grants METTEX AG full ownership of the intellectual property while avoiding high licensing costs associated with commercial layout libraries. The solution meets all project quality objectives and significantly enhances the Flowler software.
Studiengang: Business Information Technology (Bachelor)
Keywords BPMN, professional BPMN layouts in milliseconds
Vertraulichkeit: öffentlich