Process-oriented analysis

The consistency in logic between a stationary, process-oriented description of the system and its state-oriented counterpart is an important requirement imposed by automated manufacturing systems. In the late 1980s, computer-aided software engineering tools were developed to work with complex software systems. With these, the focus was on immaterial flows such as data and information. In searching for a method that could graphically describe complex systems, we developed our new methodology, Process-Oriented Analysis (POA). We have enriched the basic static diagram types of Structured Analysis with value and resource flows, and introduce consistent rules for the handling of resources, costs and data. The dynamic diagram types serve to describe the behaviour of the system, and lead to the programming of simulations and machine controls. The static diagram types reveal the structure of the system as flows and processes. The diagrams are hierarchically structured on several levels of detail, allowing an in-depth analysis of complex systems with numerous sub-systems. A system optimisation is possible based on costs or on energy. The dynamic diagrams support plant simulation, real-time monitoring and control systems, and sustainability models. The dynamic diagrams are consistent with the static diagrams, and simplify program design and coding.