A minispec is a statement that expresses the processing logic of a process symbol. Normally, it describes how the process transforms input data into output data. Minispecs are written using a formal syntax often referred to as Structured English. Minispecs define process symbols on data flow diagrams and SV-10a Systems Rules Models (C4ISR), module symbols on structure charts, and system functions on SV-1 diagrams (C4ISR).

The following is an example of a Structured English minispec, for the process named RECORD RESERVE REQUESTS, written using the CRUD verbs (Create, Read, Update, Delete).

System Architect can balance the input and output flows of a process using the minispec words against the Data Elements and Data Structures on the data flows.

Because minispecs are written in the form of free-form text, the balancing function requires that the system analyze the text word-by-word, looking for significant words. Significant words are flagged by delimiting them with either single or double quotes. You can choose to have the system consider every word, or only the significant words flagged for consideration.

By default, the system considers only the significant words specifically flagged with quotes, for example:

If you want the system to consider every word contained in minispecs, and not only those delimited by double quotes, you must set MinispecUsesQuotes to N in the SA2001.INI file. Using the sample minispec above, the first few lines could then be written: