IDEF3

One of the primary mechanisms used for descriptions of the world is relating a story in terms of an ordered sequence of events or activities.

The primary goal of IDEF3 is to provide a structured method by which a domain expert can express knowledge about the operation of a particular system or organization.

However, since the Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) Program needed a simulation modeling tool, the resulting IDEF2 was a method for representing the time varying behavior of resources in a manufacturing system, providing a framework for specification of math model based simulations.

Models are idealized systems known to be incorrect but assumed to be close enough to provide reliable predictors for the predefined areas of interest within a domain.

IDEF3 accommodates these possibilities by providing specific features enabling the capture and organization of alternative descriptions of the same scenario or process, see figure.

[1] Modeling necessitates taking additional steps beyond description capture to resolve conflicting or inconsistent views.

Unlike models, descriptions are not constrained by idealized, testable conditions that must be satisfied, short of simple accuracy.

These schematics provide a graphical medium that helps domain experts and analysts from different application areas communicate knowledge about processes.

The graphical elements that comprise process schematics include Unit of Behavior (UOB) boxes, precedence links, junctions, referents, and notes.

Example of an Enhanced Transition Schematic, modelled with IDEF3.
IDEF3 want to offer alternative descriptions of the same process from multiple viewpoints on the process.
IDEF focus on Description Capture enabling reuse.
Symbols Used for IDEF3 Process Description Schematics.