IDEF, which stands for Integrated Definition Language, is a family of graphical modeling languages used to describe business processes, data structures, and system architecture within the field of systems engineering. It was developed by the U.S. Air Force to support the modeling and analysis of complex systems.
IDEF is a standardized and well-documented approach that enables system designers and engineers to capture, communicate, and analyze information about a system. It provides a common framework for describing the structure, behavior, and functionality of a system, making it easier to understand and manage complex systems.
The IDEF family includes several modeling methods, with each method addressing a specific aspect of system modeling. For instance, IDEF0 is primarily used for modeling business processes, IDEF1X is used for modeling data structures, and IDEF3 is used for modeling system dynamics. These methods utilize graphical symbols and relationships to represent various system components, processes, and their interdependencies.
IDEF has become widely adopted in both the public and private sectors for requirements analysis, system design, process improvement, and documentation purposes. It helps organizations visualize their systems and analyze their structure and behavior, allowing for better planning, decision-making, and communication among stakeholders.
Overall, IDEF provides a systematic approach for describing and understanding complex systems, allowing engineers and designers to effectively model and analyze the intricacies of a system's architecture, processes, and interactions.
