From graphical models to automation - and back. The jBPM team and Signavio are realizing this vision together. An integration through so called jPDL files is possible since August 2009 already. These files are automatically generated out of BPMN diagrams. On the other hand, jPDL files that were edited manually can be visualized using BPMN and modified using the graphical editor.
Red Hat and Signavio now go one step further: Interchange between process modeling at the business level and technical execution happens through BPMN 2.0 as of today. That way, graphical model and the XML process definition are even closer.
The OMG specified the XML format in the newest version of the popular BPMN standard. All diagram elements and relationships between them are captured, as well as technical attributes that are necessary for execution. Signavio launched the world's first comprehensive modeling environment for BPMN 2.0 at the OMG Information Days in December 2009. Now Jboss jBPM supports the execution of BPMN 2.0.
It is a world premiere that a graphical BPMN 2.0 model can be automated directly - without further technical refinements.
You will find more information about the integration as well as a video in Joram Barrez' blog. He is one of the main developers of jBPM.