idef0

OV-5/ IDEF0

(Integration Definition) functional modelling method is frequently utilized in industry for functional modelling. This standard method supports the analysis of a set of related activities or functions with the emphasis on the relationships between these activities or functions. It results in a hierarchical series of diagrams, text, and glossaries cross-referenced to each other. IDEF0 models form an important communication tool when discussing the analysis of a system.

Methods and materials

In this project the IDEF0 functional modelling method was applied to analyze the various functions and their inter-relations in a structured manner. This analysis was applied as the basis to generate configurations for an Automated feeding system (AFS).

IDEF0 diagrams consist of boxes (three to six) with arrows. The boxes represent functions, activities or processes. Each function can be detailed into a new diagram, called child diagram. The arrows represent data and objects influencing and inter-relating those functions. In addition to Inputs and outputs, IDEF0 includes Constraints and Mechanisms or resources that influence a function. Edraw Max was used as a tool to develop it.

Input: data or objects that are transformed by the function – e.g. Unfed animals, food/product.

Constraints: conditions required for the function to produce correct outputs – e.g. Environment, technical support, installation, feed standards.

Resources/Mechanism: support the execution of the function – e.g. Users, power supply, feed delivery system, cleaning supplies.

Output: data or objects that result from the function – e.g. feed animals, cleaned feeder system.

Figure 1.

Results and discussion

Figure 2

A-0 shows the automated feed system diagram with six function Load food , prepare food, Configure feeder, Initiate feeding, Halt feeding, Clean feeder (see Figure 2).

Each of the six function are detailed down to the lowest possible level; A-1 contains the function Load food. Food supplier, Receive food, Measure food (see Figure 3).

A-2 shows the function Prepare food. Transfer food, Measure food, Time (see Figure 4). Furthermore, A-3 shows the function Configure feeder. Turn feeder on, program feeder (see Figure 5). Moreover, A-6 shows the function Clean feeder. Define needs, Add cleaning supplies, Start cleaning, Halt cleaning, Power off feeder (see Figure 6).

Figure 3

Figure 4.

Figure 5.

Figure 6.

Functional analysis vs OV-5/ IDEF0

considered the functional analysis, which describes how the system should work, and the interdependencies (see Figure 7.)

Figure 7.

We also develop above an OV-5, which is the same thing, but from a different perspective. We want to understand how they are similar and how they differ. If we consider the functional analysis and the OV-5, we find they differ, yet are describing the same thing. Also, we can use each document to further our understanding of the other document. However, these clarifications and insights leads to more requirements and a better description (view) for our system such as the function cleaning feeder.