BIFOLD researcher collaborates with Celonis to improve reproducibility and fault analysis in complex data extraction processes.
Adrian Michalke, a doctoral researcher at BIFOLD / TU Berlin and member of the DIMA research group led by BIFOLD co-director Prof. Dr. Volker Markl, has been selected for the Software Campus program. The program awards up to €115,000 in funding from the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) for selected research projects.
Michalke's project "REPLAY" is conducted in close collaboration with industry partner Celonis, a global market leader in process mining. The project focuses on developing novel methods for realistic replay and analysis of data extraction processes in data-intensive systems such as the Internet of Things, smart manufacturing, and process intelligence.
Current data management platforms offer only limited support for so-called “time-travel” operations — functionalities that allow users to retrospectively trace, analyze, and reproduce data flows. These include recording continuous data extraction processes, resetting system states to previous points in time, and simulating historical data movements under controlled, test-like conditions. REPLAY aims to enable efficient and privacy-compliant replay functionality, helping practitioners perform root cause analyses, simulate edge cases, and ensure stable pipeline deployments.
A unique opportunity to refine my research ideas in collaboration with Celonis.
“The program gives me a unique opportunity to refine my research ideas in collaboration with Celonis and apply them to real-world scenarios,” says Michalke. “At the same time, the funding allows me to build and mentor a strong team of student researchers.”
The Software Campus program supports early-career computer scientists in developing leadership skills through two-year research projects in partnership with industry. The ongoing success of DIMA group members, who have secured 14 Software Campus Grants since 2014, demonstrates BIFOLD's / TU Berlin’s leading role in advancing research talent and preparing the next generation of innovators.