Applying Petri Net Based Models in the Design of Systems

Many approaches are being developed for handling the different phases in the design of complex information systems, namely specification, verification, evaluation, implementation and testing. These approaches are more or less applicable to the various specific aspects of the design phases and partially supported by efficient tools. This paper deals with one of the most important approaches used in the design of information systems, i. e., the Petri net based models approach, which proves particularly interesting. It is indicated how Petri net based models are used to represent systems behavior and then some of the resulting advantages are given. Furthermore, it is emphasized why and how a Petri net based approach can support all the design phases and it is made clear for which purposes and in which applications Petri net based designs are important. A few illustrative examples are also given.