How to Create an IDEF0 Diagram for an Application Development

This IDEF0 diagram sample was created on the base of the figure from the website of the Engineering Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). [mel.nist.gov/ msidlibrary/ doc/ kc_ morris/ gsa-final_ files/ image011.gif]
"Verification and Validation of Computer Simulation Models is conducted during the development of a simulation model with the ultimate goal of producing an accurate and credible model.
"Simulation models are increasingly being used to solve problems and to aid in decision-making. The developers and users of these models, the decision makers using information obtained from the results of these models, and the individuals affected by decisions based on such models are all rightly concerned with whether a model and its results are “correct”". This concern is addressed through verification and validation of the simulation model.
Simulation models are approximate imitations of real-world systems and they never exactly imitate the real-world system. Due to that, a model should be verified and validated to the degree needed for the models intended purpose or application.
The verification and validation of simulation model starts after functional specifications have been documented and initial model development has been completed. Verification and validation is an iterative process that takes place throughout the development of a model." [Verification and Validation of Computer Simulation Models. Wikipedia]
The IDEF0 diagram example "Model validation" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the IDEF0 Diagrams solution from the Software Development area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

"IDEF0, a compound acronym (Icam DEFinition for Function Modeling, where 'ICAM' is an acronym for Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing) is a function modeling methodology for describing manufacturing functions, which offers a functional modeling language for the analysis, development, reengineering, and integration of information systems; business processes; or software engineering analysis.
IDEF0 is part of the IDEF family of modeling languages in the field of software engineering, and is built on the functional modeling language Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT). ...
FIPS PUB 183 "Integration Definition for Function Modeling (IDEF0)," was withdrawn as a Federal Standard (in favor of OPEN Specifications and Standards) September 2, 2008, as cited in "The Federal Register", Volume 73, page 51276 (73FR/ 51276). ...
IDEF0, used to produce a "function model". A function model is a structured representation of the functions, activities or processes within the modeled system or subject area." [IDEF0. Wikipedia]
The template "IDEF0 diagram" is included in the IDEF0 Diagrams solution from the Software Development area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

This IDEF0 diagram sample was created on the base of the figure from the website of the Engineering Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). [mel.nist.gov/ msidlibrary/ doc/ kc_ morris/ gsa-final_ files/ image002.gif]
"The systems development life cycle (SDLC), also referred to as the application development life-cycle, is a term used in systems engineering, information systems and software engineering to describe a process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying an information system. The systems development life-cycle concept applies to a range of hardware and software configurations, as a system can be composed of hardware only, software only, or a combination of both." [Systems development life cycle. Wikipedia]
The IDEF0 diagram example "Model development life cycle" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the IDEF0 Diagrams solution from the Software Development area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

The vector stencils library "IDEF0" contains 26 IDEF0 diagram symbols.
Use it for business process modeling with IDEF0 diagrams.
"The IDEF0 model ... is based on a simple syntax. Each activity is described by a verb-based label placed in a box. Inputs are shown as arrows entering the left side of the activity box while output are shown as exiting arrows on the right side of the box. Controls are displayed as arrows entering the top of the box and mechanisms are displayed as arrows entering from the bottom of the box. Inputs, Controls, Outputs, and Mechanisms are all referred to as concepts.
- Arrow: A directed line, composed of one or more arrow segments, that models an open channel or conduit conveying data or objects from source (no arrowhead) to use (with arrowhead). There are 4 arrow classes: Input Arrow, Output Arrow, Control Arrow, and Mechanism Arrow (includes Call Arrow). See Arrow Segment, Boundary Arrow, Internal Arrow.
- Box: A rectangle, containing a name and number, used to represent a function.
- Context: The immediate environment in which a function (or set of functions on a diagram) operates.
- Decomposition: The partitioning of a modeled function into its component functions.
- Fork: The junction at which an IDEF0 arrow segment (going from source to use) divides into two or more arrow segments. May denote unbundling of meaning.
- Function: An activity, process, or transformation (modeled by an IDEF0 box) identified by a verb or verb phrase that describes what must be accomplished.
- Join: The junction at which an IDEF0 arrow segment (going from source to use) merges with one or more other arrow segments to form a single arrow segment. May denote bundling of arrow segment meanings.
- Node: A box from which child boxes originate; a parent box. See Node Index, Node Tree, Node Number, Node Reference, Diagram Node Number." [IDEF0. Wikipedia]
The shapes example "Design elements - IDEF0" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the solution "IDEF Business Process Diagrams" from the area "Business Processes" of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

This example of a Top Level Context Diagram for an information system management process was redesigned from the Wikipedia file: IDEF Top-Level Context Diagram.jpg. [en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ File:IDEF_ Top-Level_ Context_ Diagram.jpg]
"Graphical notation.
IDEF0 is a model that consists of a hierarchical series of diagrams, text, and glossary cross referenced to each other. The two primary modeling components are:
(1) functions (represented on a diagram by boxes), and
(2) data and objects that interrelate those functions (represented by arrows).
... the position at which the arrow attaches to a box conveys the specific role of the interface. The controls enter the top of the box. The inputs, the data or objects acted upon by the operation, enter the box from the left. The outputs of the operation leave the right-hand side of the box. Mechanism arrows that provide supporting means for performing the function join (point up to) the bottom of the box.
The IDEF0 process.
The IDEF0 process starts with the identification of the prime function to be decomposed. This function is identified on a “Top Level Context Diagram,” that defines the scope of the particular IDEF0 analysis. ... From this diagram lower-level diagrams are generated." [IDEF0. Wikipedia]
The IDEF0 diagram example "Top-level context diagram" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the IDEF0 Diagrams solution from the Software Development area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.