IDEF1X

This standard is part of the IDEF family of modeling languages in the field of software engineering.

It can be used in projects requiring a standard means of defining and analyzing the data resources within an organization.

A conceptual schema must have three important characteristics:[1] The need for semantic data models was first recognized by the U.S. Air Force in the mid-1970s as a result of the Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) Program.

The objective of this program was to increase manufacturing productivity through the systematic application of computer technology.

The ICAM Program identified a need for better analysis and communication techniques for people involved in improving manufacturing productivity.

Appleton's suggested improvements were accepted, the AF relabled its data modeling methodology IDEF1 Xtended, or IDEF1X.

In 1983, the U.S. Air Force initiated the Integrated Information Support System (I2S2) project under the ICAM program.

The objective of this project was to provide the enabling technology to logically and physically integrate a network of heterogeneous computer hardware and software.

As a result of this project, and industry experience, the need for an enhanced technique for data modeling was recognized.

To satisfy the data modeling enhancement requirements that were identified in the IISS-6202 project, D. Appleton Company obtained a license to database design software based on the logical database design technique (LDDT) developed by Robert Brown for the Bank of America.

Appleton's technology team modified the software to meet IDEF1X modeling graphics and rules.

On September 2, 2008, the associated NIST standard, FIPS 184, has been withdrawn (decision on Federal Register vol.

The Bank of America's logical database design technique (LDDT) had been developed in 1982 by Robert Brown.

This article incorporates public domain material from the National Institute of Standards and Technology