UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Function Modeling IDEF0
Manufacturing Systems (ECMM111) as part of ECMM120
Augustine Owusu
ABSTRACT: Information given about different functions within an Order Handling Manufacturing
System (OHMS) were translated into an IDEFO model.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2
Section 2: Theory .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Section 3: Methodology ................................................................................................................................ 4
Section 4: Results.......................................................................................................................................... 4
4.1. Node Index of the OHMS .................................................................................................................. 4
4.2. IDEF0 Models for the OHMS ............................................................................................................ 5
References ................................................................................................................................................... 13
Table of Figures
Figure 1 - Semantics of IDEF0........................................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2 - IDEF0 model for A0 ....................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3 - IDEF0 Model for A1 ....................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4- IDEF0 Model for A2 ........................................................................................................................ 6
Figure 5 - IDEF0 model for A22 ..................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 6 - IDEF0 model for A3 ....................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 7 - IDEF0 model for A32 ..................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 8 - A4 ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 9 - A42 .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Section 1: Introduction
This exercise is intended to show understanding of how to represent information about a system
of functions as a schematic of the system using IDEF0. A Just-in-time/Mass Customisation
system (OHMS) was given. The information which was given about this entire system was put
into IDEF0 format.
Section 2: Theory
Engineering business entities can be made up of several functions or departments, between
which there are flows of information, finance and materials. These three kinds of flow can often
have complicated flow networks within the system.
There needs to be a common methodology for representing such a system. This methodology
should achieve the following:
Providing a format in which complicated networks of function within a system would
appear simple (i.e. schematic)
Consistency in representation
IDEF0 achieves such objectives. IDEF0 is a standardized way modeling the schematic of a
system of functions or processes. It is particularly useful to visualize complex systems, which are
made up of several inter-linked processes. IDEF0 represents each function as an entity
represented by a rectangle. All parameters or items relating to a particular process or function are
categorized into inputs, controls, outputs, calls and mechanisms. The processes or functions are
then linked together and where necessary, the procedure is repeated for some processes or
functions for more details about them.
Figure 1 - Semantics of IDEF0
Figure 1 above gives an overview of the basic components of an IDEF0 model. The Process
Name is usually expressed as a verb or command phrase.
The Input refers to anything that is consumed or transformed by the process.
The Control refers to anything that guides or constrains the process.
The Output refers to any result of the process.
The Call is any information that is produced during the process in order to support other
processes or functions. The Call is distinguished component of the IDEF0 as it may fit the
definition of an output, however it may also fits the opposite definition of a mechanism. Instead
of a Call being a supporting means of carrying out the function (as the definition of a mechanism
suggests), a Call is rather generated by the function in support of other functions.
The Mechanism refers to the means by which the process produces the output.
So far, the basic components of an IDEF0 model have been outlined. Due to the instructions which were
given on the question paper, (i.e. to construct IDEF0 models in terms of inputs, controls, outputs and
mechanisms) the Call component shall not be included in this exercise.
Section 3: Methodology
A node index of the Order Handling Manufacturing System (OHMS) was summarized based on
the information given on the question sheet.
Using the node index and further information from the question sheet, IDEF0 models were
constructed for the OHMS with Microsoft Visio software.
Section 4: Results
4.1. Node Index of the OHMS
A0
Make to customer order
A1
Formulate Production Plan
A11 Sale and Contract
A12 Plan Production Programme
A2
Design and Develop Product to Order
A21 Control Design and Development Process
A22 Develop Prototype
A221 Prepare Advanced Drawing
A222 Make and Test Prototype
A223 Prepare Final Drawing and Parts List
A3
Gather production resources
A31 Plan Materials and Capacity Requirements
A32 Gather Resources
A321 Acquire Production Resources
A322 Acquire Bought-out Items
A4
Produce product
A41 Control Production Operation
A42 Carry out Production Operation
A421 Produce Parts
A422 Produce Sub-assemblies
A423 Produce Final Assembly
A424 Test Final Assembly
4.2. IDEF0 Models for the OHMS
Figure 2 - IDEF0 model for A0
Figure 2 above shows the IDEF0 model for the overview of an OHMS operation. Contact
between the OHMS and the customer is made throught the A1 function. This involves incoming
customer orders and enquiries. The A1 function deliver promises. Also, there is flow of cost
information from all the other functions (i.e. A2, A3 and A4) as a control to A1. This
information is to guide A1 to output quotations and proposals.
A2 is responsible for design and development of the ordered product. It uses customer
requirements and delivery promises as control parameters to output technical data from designs
as well as prototype testing results. The prototype testing results are fed back into A2 as a control
parameter. This is because information from failed prototype tests should set design constraints
for A2 or guide A2 to develop better designs. Also there is an output of Prototype testing results
from A2 because, for legal reasons the prototype testing may need to be documented.
Function A3 is responsible for purchasing. It receives a control signal from A1, when delivery
promises are made to the customer. A3 then gathers the resources which are necessary for
production. A3 outputs the bought-out items.
Function A4 receives bought-out items as an input for production of the customers order. Its
controls are the technical data from the product design from A2, as well as delivery promises
made to the customer from A1, in order to guide production timing.
Figure 3 - IDEF0 Model for A1
Figure 4- IDEF0 Model for A2
Figure 5 - IDEF0 model for A22
Figure 6 - IDEF0 model for A3
Figure 7 - IDEF0 model for A32
Figure 8 - A4
Figure 9 - A42
References
Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. (1993, December 21). Announcing the Standard for INTEGRATED
DEFINITION FOR FUNCTION MODELING (IDEF0).
Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. (2012). Official website for Integrated Definition Methods (IDEF).
Retrieved from [Link]
