Process Mining on Blockchain Data for Business Process Analysis
Sector: Tertiary sector · Industry: Asset management · Organisation: Augur · Maturity level: Concept
This use case demonstrates the application of process mining techniques on blockchain data using the decentralized prediction market platform Augur as an example. Researchers extracted approximately 3000 process traces and over 23000 events from Augur v1.0 data on the Ethereum blockchain to analyze business processes and identify deviations from documented architecture. The analysis generated valuable insights for application redesign and security analysis, validated through interviews with Augur's Chief Architect.
Documentation status
- Project status: Concept
- Evidence: Evidence high
- Editorial review: Ufuk Avci, 12 July 2026
Description
Augur (USA) operates a decentralised prediction market platform on the Ethereum blockchain, where users can place bets on real-world events and have them settled automatically. Researchers at the University of Vienna extracted around 3,000 process traces from the on-chain data and demonstrated that blockchain-based prediction markets operate more transparently and are more resistant to manipulation than traditional betting platforms. The platform enables the use of market mechanisms for predictions — from election results to sports betting and corporate key figures.
Augur uses the REP token (Reputation) for dispute resolution and verification of results through a decentralised oracle system. Market creators define events, participants buy shares in possible outcomes, and after the event occurs, winnings are automatically distributed via smart contract. The University of Vienna analysed the on-chain data using process mining techniques and documented market life cycles, trading frequencies, and liquidity distributions — evidence that blockchain-based markets can operate fully transparently and traceably.
Perspectives
B2B — organisations perspective
Companies can systematically analyse and optimise their decentralised applications and smart contract systems through process mining on blockchain data. This leads to improved security, efficiency, and compliance in blockchain-based business processes.
Employees perspective
Employees in process analysis and IT security receive new tools for detailed examination of decentralised systems. However, the work requires additional knowledge in blockchain technologies and specialised analysis tools.
Benefits
General
- Immutable and transparent data basis for process analyses through the use of blockchain transaction data.
- Identification of security vulnerabilities and process deviations through systematic conformance checking between documented and implemented architecture.
- Generation of valuable insights for application redesign and system improvements through detailed process visualisation.
B2B — organisations
- Companies can systematically check their smart contract systems for security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies, thereby minimising risks.
Employees
- Data analysts gain access to complete and immutable process data for more precise analyses.
Challenges
General
- The immutability of smart contracts makes it difficult to implement process improvements identified through process mining.
- High technical complexity in extracting and interpreting blockchain data requires specialised knowledge and tools.
B2B — organisations
- Companies must invest in new analysis tools and employee training to use the technology effectively.
Employees
- Employees need extensive further training in blockchain technologies and process mining tools for successful application.
Technology foundation
The solution is based on the Ethereum blockchain and uses Augur's smart contracts for data extraction. The Ethereum Logging Framework is used to extract transaction data from the public blockchain and prepare it for process mining analyses.
Implementation examples
Augur Process Mining Case Study
Augur wanted to better understand how their decentralised prediction market platform functioned and identify potential security vulnerabilities or process inefficiencies. Traditional process analysis was insufficient for the decentralised architecture.
Academic researchers analysed Augur’s decentralised prediction market platform using process mining on blockchain data.
In this case study, researchers systematically extracted transaction data from Augur v1.0 Smart Contracts on the Ethereum blockchain and analysed around 3,000 process traces with over 23,000 events. The analysis used the Ethereum Logging Framework for data extraction and conducted conformance checking to identify deviations between the documented and implemented architecture. The results revealed undesirable behaviour in the code and generated valuable insights for application redesign and security improvements.
The analysis identified deviations from the documented architecture and undesirable behaviour in the Smart Contract code. Systematic conformance checking uncovered security risks and process inefficiencies.
Tags
Process Mining, Blockchain Analytics, Smart Contract, Ethereum, Business Process Analysis