The UAF Operational Structure viewpoint is a diagram type that allows you to model OperationalPerformers and the OperationalExchanges between them, which are encapsulated by the DoDAF 2.0 concept of a Needline.

The Needline concept is provided in System Architect’s UAF support to be compliant with the domain metamodel of DoDAF 2.02, NAF 3.1, MODAF 1.2, and DNDAF 1.7. Since it is not stated in the UAF 1.0 spec, the (UAFrx) suffix is added to the name – ‘r’ for relationship; ‘x’ for extension.

You can specify the OperationalExchange of each Needline within the Needline definition, by either drag-and-dropping OperationalExchanges from the Choices dialog, or clicking the + button to add an OperationalExchange. You can choose to display the OperationalExchange on each Needline by right-clicking on the Needline and choosing Display options.

You can draw Needlines manually between OperationalPerformers on the diagram, or have System Architect automatically generate OperationalExchanges and Needlines by running utilities on the Tools > UAF Utilities menu. Running autogeneration of Needlines produces a report of what Needline was created, what OperationalExchange(s) caused it to be created, and what Needlines were found that were manually created.

You can drag-and-drop Performers from the Explorer tree onto the Operational Structure diagram; auto-generated and manually-created Needlines are automatically drawn.