Generating system data exchanges (ABM for DoDAF)

Architecting and designing > DoDAF > DoDAF 1.5 Activity Based Methodology (ABM) > Developing system views with DoDAF ABM > Generating system data exchanges (ABM for DoDAF)

You can generate System Data Exchanges (SDXs) by performing the following procedure.

1 On an SV-4 diagram, draw Data Flows between System Functions.

2 Open the System-Node-to-System-Function matrix; then relate System Functions to System Nodes.

3 In the matrix, assign System Entities to the System Node/System Function pairs.

This specifies “who” does “what” function “where.”

System Entities are specified in the SysNodeFunction definition, which underlies the intersection of the relationship of System Nodes to System Functions. The System Entity is the entity that does the work.

4 To run the SDX (System Data Interface) Generation utility, click Tools > DoDAF (ABM) Utilities > Generate System Data Exchange Definitions. For details, see Generating system data exchange, system interface, and system node interface definitions (ABM for DoDAF).

5 On the SV-1 diagram, you can draw System Entities within the System Nodes that they are performed within. This ties a System Entity with a System Node.

On the SV-1 diagram, click Draw > SV-1 Diagram Utilities > System to System Interface Connections.

All existing System Entities on the diagram are removed, and new instances are created based on matrix information. System Interface (SI) lines are automatically drawn between System Entities on the SV-1 diagram.

Note You can also select Draw > SV-1 Diagram Utilities > Draw Node-to-Node Interface Connections.