What best defines 'Actors' in relation to process modeling?

The concept of 'Actors' in process modeling is best defined as entities that perform tasks. This reflects the role of actors within a business process, encompassing both human and non-human entities that contribute to the execution of tasks and activities. This broad definition allows for a comprehensive understanding of the various participants involved in a process, whether they are employees, customers, machines, or software systems.

In process modeling, recognizing actors as entities that perform tasks highlights their active involvement in workflow execution. It acknowledges that tasks can be carried out by a diverse range of participants, which could include various stakeholders in an organization, thus enabling a more dynamic representation of how processes operate.

The other options fall short of capturing the full scope of what 'Actors' can be in process modeling. For instance, defining actors as static elements does not accurately reflect their dynamic role within processes. Similarly, restricting the definition to people exclusively limits the understanding of how automated systems or software can also act as critical performers in a process. Lastly, defining actors as non-human systems only excludes the significant role that human actors play, which is a vital perspective in understanding the complete actor landscape in process modeling.