processmodel - Is BPMN right for my purpose? -

intro

the company work in (it intern-like position though, until done university) implemented automated warehouse solution, goods transported means of autonomous shuttles. basic functions of shuttles controlled onboard electronics (microcontroller), routing through warehouse racking done software solution in turn communicates our erp solution. erp solution handles whole warehousing.

task

there documented processes every of 4 layers (operator loads the shuttles, shuttle itself, routing, erp) individually. since kind of puzzled 4 of them 1 solution (which kind of new of participating companies), there vague, on-the-flyish process descriptions involving 4 layers available.

now have been tasked come solution illustrate processes @ work.

example

1. erp signals goods in demand @ assembly station a1

2. warehouse operator looks @ screen , starts loading boxes picked shuttle

3. warehouse operator puts in details erp, such count/weight, box number, ...

4. warehouse operator clears boxes pick-up (by confirming inputs in erp)

5. erp generates transport order

6. erp sends transport order routing software
7. routing software sends telegram shuttle control
8. shuttle control turns wheels , asks directions pick boxes
9. ...

question

as mentioned, have graphically represent kind of processes similar 1 shown in (easy , not complete) example above. need incorporate operator's actions basic communication between shuttle, routing software , erp.

since attended course on bpmn @ university came mind immediately. now, after immersing myself information bpmn several hours still can't conclusively tell if bpmn helps efforts or further complicates whole thing.

is bpmn right tool purpose?

disclaimer

i not business analyst. have looked @ alternatives bpmn (simple flowcharts, activity diagrams, ...) don't seem fit. putting existing processes every respective layer yields no result, owing different , detailed process descriptions.

edit

the erp sap erp 6.0 ehp7 integrated wms component.

tl;dr: use notation implement process in, i.e. choose bpms, not bpmn.
notation means nothing unless has proper tool modelling , further process implementation aka bpms. can find dozens of comparisons (e.g. bpmn vs epc or bpmn vs bpel), won't unless have clear understanding where , how implement modeled process.
speaking, epc used more high-level view of process, whereas bpmn utilized more fine-grained view, technical details of communications between peers can described. however, depends.

i recommend review table

and answer question whether process changes (in)frequently or not, , whether need separate bpm tool.

how see description: have 4 participants (four layers), 4 lanes in bpmn terms, , collaborating/communicating each other during process. speaking, fits bpmn application area, feel should stick erp tooling.
don't know erp use, every serious erp solution includes tool process customization. example, sap has workflow, can enhance , extend existing processes within sap. probably, erp have too.

again, it's not clear warehouse management system use , if integrated erp. seems not, , seems old legacy system, because of start re-modelling stuff. in particular case might me wiser acquire special advanced warehouse management package (take @ sap's ewm features example) can cover of requirements.