Architecting and designing : DoDAF : DoDAF 1.5 standard : Creating operational view products : Creating OV-5 activity models : Working with ICOM arrows : ICOM arrows
  
ICOM arrows
In an OV-5 Activity Model diagram, ICOM arrows are drawn into or out of operational activities to denote Input, Control, Output, or Mechanism (ICOM) of the symbol.
Controls are a form of input that are used to direct the activity in the process. Inputs and controls are distinguished from each other by the fact that inputs get transformed or changed in some way in order to create the outputs, while controls seldom are changed. Examples of forms of control include standards, plans, templates, and checklists.
Mechanisms are the resources and tools that are required to complete the process. This includes people with particular skills, machines and other tools.
ICOM arrow placement rules
The position of the arrow on the symbol is what determines its line type. Any output arrow can provide input, control, or mechanism data to one or more boxes. The child diagram also shows the constraining relationship of arrows, that is, a function that receives input or control from a previous function is constrained by that previous function.
Arrow placement rules
ICOM arrows
Function
Side of activity box
Input
Consists of objects and/or data a function needs to perform its activities.
Into left
Control
Dictates why and how the function is performed. For example, in a software system a control could be a Software Design Specification
Downwards into top only
Call
When an original function is described in greater detail in another function, the original function “calls” the other function.
Downwards from bottom
Output
Consists of objects and/or data created by the function.
From the right
Mechanism
The means to perform a function also thought of as a resource.
Upwards into the Activity Box
See also
Working with ICOM arrows