Automation of System-Object Graphical Modeling of Processes

Abstract

This article examines a method for automating graphical-analytical process modeling based on a formal-semantic normative system (FSNS) developed for the Unit-Function-Object graphical notation (UFO notation). The rationale for automating graphical process modeling is based on the influence of the human factor on the modeling procedure and results, which often leads to a discrepancy between the resources used by processes and the results obtained. This, in turn, reduces the effectiveness of functional cost analysis and business process regulation. To address this issue, the authors have developed and proposed a formal-semantic alphabet of functional units (FUs). It utilizes three disjoint classes of flows of matter (V), energy (E), and information (I), representing connections/flows between business processes. Furthermore, the mutual transformations of these flows have natural limitations, which influence the composition of the alphabet of functional units. This paper examines an algorithm for partially automating graph-analytical process modeling using a functional network (FNN), as well as a procedure for calculating interface functional units (FUs) that provide input and output context relationships, and a procedure for calculating intermediate functional units (FUs) that support the construction of a decomposition diagram. Examples of using the proposed algorithm are provided.