Integrating process mapping and simulation

Abstract

This paper presents two different yet successful approaches that have been taken for integrating process mapping technology and simulation technology. The discussion is based on two actual implementations in which two different process mapping tools were separately integrated with ProModel simulation software. The process mapping tools used in the integration were Design/IDEF from Meta Software Corporation and ABC FlowCharter from Micrografx, Incorporated. Both of these tools have been widely adopted in government and private industries for process reengineering. Also, both tools are based on different paradigms which present unique challenges for use with simulation. Design/IDEF is based on the IDEF-O modeling paradigm which is highly structured with limited adaptability. ABC FlowCharter is an unstructured process diagramming tool which is adaptable for doing all types of diagramming. In effect, they both plug into ProModel as a front-end interface. The implementation of the bridge is different in both instances, however one approach uses a modified version of the process mapping tool while the other utilizes OLE automation without having to modify either the process mapping software or the simulation software. This presentation deals with the issues and challenges encountered in each integration effort. We will also discuss how these challenges were addressed and how a successful solution was implemented. Finally, we "I assess the suitability of integrating process mapping and simulation and compare the relative outcome of each. The successful integration of process mapping and simulation is a major step towards a complete integration of process reenginecring technologies.

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