# Model-driven Stochastic Trace Clustering

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.23776 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.23776/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 36 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 30 Jun 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Distributed Representations of Sentences and Documents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1405.4053/) (2014)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Feature Attribution-Based Explainability Analysis of Deep Learning Models in Predictive Process Monitoring](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2607.17783/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Process discovery algorithms automatically extract process models from event logs, but high variability often results in complex and hard-to-understand models. To mitigate this issue, trace clustering techniques group process executions into clusters, each represented by a simpler and more understandable process model. Model-driven trace clustering improves on this by assigning traces to clusters based on their conformity to cluster-specific process models. However, most existing clustering techniques rely on either no process model discovery, or non-stochastic models, neglecting the frequency or probability of activities and transitions, thereby limiting their capability to capture real-world execution dynamics. We propose a novel model-driven trace clustering method that optimizes stochastic process models within each cluster. Our approach uses entropic relevance, a stochastic conformance metric based on directly-follows probabilities, to guide trace assignment. This allows clustering decisions to consider both structural alignment with a cluster's process model and the likelihood that a trace originates from a given stochastic process model. The method is computationally efficient, scales linearly with input size, and improves model interpretability by producing clusters with clearer control-flow patterns. Extensive experiments on public real-life datasets demonstrate that while our method yields superior stochastic coherence and graph simplicity, traditional fitness metrics reveal a trade-off, highlighting the specific utility of our approach for stochastic process analysis.