Workflow nets performance analysis approach based on moment generating function

Exsisting Petri-net-based workflow performance analysis approaches have many restrictions for the time distribution functions of the activities in the model, and the solution processes are also complicated. By introducing Moment Generating Function (MGF), and combing with the analysis approach for Petri nets reachability graph, the reachability graph of workflow model whose activities subject to arbitrary distribution could be obtained. Based on further reduction of the vanishing states of reachability graph, the transfer function was substituted by the MGF of the entire nets. Finally, based on the characteristics of MGF, the system performance of WF-nets was analyzed through an example and the feasibility of approach for the time performance analysis of workflow models was also verified.