Introduction to IDEF0:.

This is what IDEF0 does:

This is how IDEF0 does it:

As a function modeling language, IDEF0 has the following characteristics:

1. It is comprehensive and expressive, capable of graphically representing a wide variety of business, manufacturing and other types of enterprise operations to any level of detail.

2. It is a coherent and simple language, providing for rigorous and precise expression, and promoting consistency of usage and interpretation

3. It enhances communication between systems analysts, developers and users through ease of learning and its emphasis on hierarchical exposition of detail.

Overview

1.1 Function: An activity, process, or transformation (modeled by an IDEF0 box) identified by a verb or verb phrase that describes what must be accomplished.

1.2 Decomposition: The partitioning of a modeled function into its component functions

1.3 A-0 Diagram: The special case of a one-box IDEF0 context diagram, containing the top-level function being modeled and its inputs, controls, outputs and mechanisms, along with statements of model purpose and viewpoint. Level 1 etc. follows as decomposed child diagrams.

1.4 Box: A rectangle, containing a name and number, used to represent a function, from 3 to 6 per diagram, except on A-0.

1.5 Arrow: A directed line, composed of one or more arrow segments, that models an open channel or conduit conveying data or objects from source (no arrowhead) to use (with arrowhead). There are 4 arrow classes: Input Arrow, Output Arrow, Control Arrow, and Mechanism Arrow (includes Call Arrow).

Diagram:

2.1 Box Name: The verb or verb phrase placed inside an IDEF0 box to describe the modeled function.

2.2 Box Number: The number (0 to 6) placed inside the lower right corner of an IDEF0 box to uniquely identify the box on a diagram.

2.3 Arrow Label: A noun or noun phrase associated with an IDEF0 arrow or arrow segment, specifying its meaning.

2.4 Arrow Segment: A line segment that originates or terminates at a box side, a branch (fork or join), or a boundary (unconnected end).

2.5 Boundary Arrow: An arrow with one end (source or use) not connected to any box on a diagram. Contrast with Internal Arrow.

2.6 Control Arrow: The class of arrows that express IDEF0 Control, i.e., conditions required to produce correct output. Data or objects modeled as controls may be transformed by the function, creating output. Control arrows are associated with the top side of an IDEF0 box.

2.7 Input Arrow: The class of arrows that express IDEF0 Input, i.e., the data or objects that are transformed by the function into output. Input arrows are associated with the left side of an IDEF0 box.

2.8 Output Arrow: The class of arrows that express IDEF0 Output, i.e., the data or objects produced by a function. Output arrows are associated with the right side of an IDEF0 box.

2.9 Mechanism Arrow: The class of arrows that express IDEF0 Mechanism, i.e., the means used to perform a function; includes the special case of Call Arrow. Mechanism arrows are associated with the bottom side of an IDEF0 box.

Decomposition:

3.1 Decomposition: The partitioning of a modeled function into its component functions.

3.2 Child Diagram: The diagram that details a parent box.

3.3 Child Box: A box on a child diagram.

3.4 Relationship: The relationship between functions is indicated by relative position and arrows.

Thats it Folks!