All the diagrams and definitions applicable to simulation using the IDEF3 notation are contained in the existing browser. Objects are stored in a hierarchy and can be reused by dragging from the browser into diagrams and definitions where appropriate.

The simulation must know which diagram provides the context for the simulation. This diagram does not necessarily have to be at the top of the tree and will be deemed to be the diagram open when the request is made to run the simulation.

You generally start with an IDEF3 Scenario diagram, which describes the overall process of a part of the business or a system. The Units of Behavior on this IDEF3 Scenario diagram are decomposed with other IDEF3 diagrams that show further detail of the process flow.

When creating a IDEF3 Process Flow diagram there are four different symbol types. These Symbols are drawn on the diagram as Units of Behavior (UOB). UOBs are a distinguishable packet of information about an event, decision, act, or process. These symbols are Event, Process, Result, Hold and Junctions.

An Event Symbol represents when IDEF3 Objects are generated or existing objects from a parent diagram can be received.

A Process Symbol represents who and when the Objects will be generated.

A Result Symbol represents the end result of the process or the passing of generated objects to the next process in the hierarchy.

A Hold Symbol represents the Object being held for a specific amount of time before continuing to the next process. No Resources are required.

A Junction Symbol represents the flow of Logic in a process.

There are a number of generic properties that will apply to UOB types on the Sim Definition tab.

Determines the properties that are available according to the type of the UOB you have selected.

Determines the availability of resources and processes.

Allow complex flow logic at junctions and provide the user with information about objects at each stage of the simulation for debugging the model.