Integrating Domain Knowledge into Process Discovery Using Large Language Models

arXiv (Cornell University)

Abstract

Process discovery aims to derive process models from event logs, providing insights into operational behavior and forming a foundation for conformance checking and process improvement. However, models derived solely from event data may not accurately reflect the real process, as event logs are often incomplete or affected by noise, and domain knowledge, an important complementary resource, is typically disregarded. As a result, the discovered models may lack reliability for downstream tasks. We propose an interactive framework that incorporates domain knowledge, expressed in natural language, into the process discovery pipeline using Large Language Models (LLMs). Our approach leverages LLMs to extract declarative rules from textual descriptions provided by domain experts. These rules are used to guide the IMr discovery algorithm, which recursively constructs process models by combining insights from both the event log and the extracted rules, helping to avoid problematic process structures that contradict domain knowledge. The framework coordinates interactions among the LLM, domain experts, and a set of backend services. We present a fully implemented tool that supports this workflow and conduct an extensive evaluation of multiple LLMs and prompt engineering strategies. Our empirical study includes a case study based on a real-life event log with the involvement of domain experts, who assessed the usability and effectiveness of the framework.

Authors 4

1. Ali Norouzifar Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany

2. Humam Kourani Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University · Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer FIT , Sankt Augustin , Germany

   RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany

3. Marcus Dees

   Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen

   Affiliation as printed

   UWV Employee Insurance Agency , Amsterdam , Netherlands

4. Wil M. P. van der Aalst Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University , Aachen , Germany