Syntax errors in the EPC diagrams of the integrated management system documents

The EPC methodology enables accurate modelling of economic processes. One of the main spheres of its application is procedure creation under quality, occupational health and safety or environment management systems. The development of the methodology in question has led to establishment of precise conditions that must be conformed with in a correct process model. The main theme of the article is a general discussion of the EPC methodology. Based on an analysis of numerous literary studies published, a set of principles that should be met by an EPC diagram as a graphical representation of the process being described has been identified and discussed. Another subject touched upon in the article is the results of examinations of 156 diagrams from documents of integrated management systems implemented in two companies. The examinations conducted have implied that the diagrams created in the course of the documentation drawing up do not conform with many of the applicable requirements. The individual syntax errors occurring in the documents have been identified and discussed in the paper, and special attention has been paid to those related to application of the OR and XOR split connectors as well as those occurring when joining diagrams.