Formalisation of an order processing soft systems model using Petri nets

摘要

Soft systems methodologies are known for investigating the problems occurring in the management of organisations using conceptual models. These models are informal and thus they are easily used and understood by a non-specialist. However, such models cannlt be subjected to formal analysis, and problems can occur in verifying their correctness. This paper addresses this issue by combining Petri net theory with the conceptual model of a methodology known as the Boardman Soft Systems Methodology (BSSM). Specifically, a systematic approach is presented that allows the systemigrams of the BSSM to be translated into Petrinet models. This translation allows a systemigram to be checked for the integrity of its data, and Petri net theory can be used to analyse the resulting Petri net models. It is the intention that this type of analysis would be used by a target audience to verify and validate the systemigram models. Application of this approach is illustrated by an industrial case study that involves the Order Intake phase of a product's life cycle.