A method and apparatus for creating a complex process model for use in a
graphical environment, with the process utilizing defined entities
including places, transitions, and arcs. Places represent data types,
transitions represent actions, and arcs represent the connection of
places and transitions. The places, transitions, and arcs may be
interchanged by the user without the need to recreate the entire model.
The invention also includes a method and apparatus of simulating a
complex process, by identifying the attributes and values of the places
and transitions, identifying the parameters of the connecting arcs, and
manipulating the places, transitions, and arcs to constitute a process in
action.