Use of BPMN diagrams on different levels (Business Process Architect 11gR1)

Question

I have an issue regarding the representation of different levels of diagrams in BPA... I have been using following types of diagrams from the highest level to the lowest:
- Structuring model,
- Value-added chain diagram,
- Business process diagram (BPMN),
- Business process diagram (BPMN),
- Function allocation diagram (this is generated automatically).
Those levels are linked with use of "Assignment" function on individual elements and that enables the user to drill-down to the last level (except between Structuring model and Value-added chain diagram - I can't find a way to link those two).
As you might have noticed from the list of diagrams above, I have used two BPMN diagrams to represent two successive levels. Is this OK? On the first of those two diagram types, I represented activities with "Function" elements (I also used Start, Intermediate, End events and Rule elements).
I linked every "Function" element to a more detailed BPMN diagram on the next level. That one includes "Human task", "Automated activity" elements (and also Start, Intermediate, End events, Rule elements and also others) and is eventually meant to be transformed into BPEL.
That is how I understood the "Oracle_BPA_Suite_QuickStart_Sample_Guide.pdf" and samples included in Architect 11gR1. Is that the right way to do it? Does anybody have a better suggestion on how to represent the whole chain of diagrams?
How can "Assignees" be represented in the BPMN diagram, where I used "Function" elements? Is it possible to link "Structuring model" elements to Value-added chain diagrams?
I hope this describes my dilemma well enough and doesn't frighten you all away... I thank you all for your feedback in advance.

Answer 1

It is possible to assign Structural Elements to any Model Type in BPA. If you are not able to make this assignment it is not active in your Method Filter. You can log in with the Entire Method filter to check this out. You can also modify the filter you are using to include this ability.
The hierarchy you are using is fine and is a commonly used one. Some people use the EPC model, which is specifc to BPA and not a standard, at the level below the value-chain but many use BPMN as you have. If your intent is to use the first BPMN as a pure business process model then you may consider creating a separate custom Model Type, based on the BPMN model, with a scaled down set of allowable objects. This is also done through customizing the filter. If you do this you can also rename the model types in the filter if you wish to have different names at each level.
Note of caution, modifying a method filter can have impacts and should generally be done by someone with a working knowledge of the meta model. If you chosse to change a filter supplied with the tool, copy it and rename it, then update the copy. Always retain the original filter provided with the tool. If you are doing something as simple as adding the ability to use the assignment between Structural Elements and Value-Added Chain models, that would be no big deal. If you get into reusing object and model types that has more impact on the functionality of the tool.