A conceptual design tool to facilitate simulation model development: Object flow diagram

Abstract

This paper describes a diagramming methodology, referred to as an Object Flow Diagram (OFD), that is intended to be a key component in the conceptual design of a discrete-event simulation model. It provides an effective means for representing salient system elements and their relationships. It draws upon other popular system diagramming methods, such as IDEF0 and IDEF3, to bring the relevant aspects of these tools to the simulation modeler. It is intended to be easy to apply, with few symbols and constructs, yet robust and comprehensive enough to represent a wide variety of systems. It is simulation software neutral and thus provides a basis for model development in any language. A simple example is used to illustrate the approach. The methodology has been used in industry projects and in simulation courses.