A holon-based process modeling methodology

Process models are a valuable tool in the design and configuration of enterprises. However, current modeling techniques have shortcomings that prevent them from fully supporting the analysis required to design an enterprise. This is especially true when considering the needs of modeling highly distributed and temporary multi‐company enterprises such as fractal or virtual enterprises. This paper presents a modeling scheme that supports a process‐centered approach to the analysis and design of both conventional and extended enterprises. Using a holon‐based approach to model the components of an enterprise, it allows for the development of integrated business rule, activity, resource, business process, and organizational views of the enterprise using the IDEF suite of modeling methods. The scheme is built around a central IDEF5 model of the enterprise from which the other views are extracted. The paper also describes the technique for developing an enterprise model using the scheme.