Original Date: 11/03/1996
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant Data Systems Research and Development (DSRD) personnel have developed considerable expertise in the application of Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing Definition Language (IDEF) methodologies and other information modeling techniques to the problem of business process development. The staff use IDEF-based computer aided software engineering (CASE) tools to model Y-12 manufacturing processes and Army Acquisition Community information management activities. IDEF experiences include the management of IDEF projects, facilitation of information management workshops, construction of information models using CASE tools, and the use of related information modeling techniques in conjunction with IDEF. The DSRD staff has also analyzed and evaluated different commercial IDEF and non-IDEF CASE tools.

The development of IDEF models is often a difficult process due to the varying skills and knowledge of the individuals who participate in the modeling process. The Y-12 DSRD staff has developed a workshop approach to IDEF modeling which has been very useful in overcoming some problems associated with the modeling process. Both management and technical attendees at modeling workshops are successful at using IDEF activity modeling techniques. Because IDEF 1x data modeling is more complex, more focused workshops are used to address this area. DSRD workshops have been successful because of the use of numerous, small focused workshops, trained facilitators with subject matter experience, a clear definition of the workshop purpose for participants, advanced planning, and the development of strawman information models in advance of the workshop.

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