Towards the formalisation of soft systems models using Petri net theory
The analytical capability of conceptual models that are used in a soft systems methodology to capture the processes within a business organisation is examined and extended. Specifically, the models known as systemigrams, which form part of the Boardman soft systems methodology, are considered. The informal nature of systemigrams allows a nonspecialist to easily create models of processes, but it does not permit analysis of the resulting model. Hence, problems can occur in verifying the correctness of these models. This problem is addressed by presenting a translation algorithm that converts systemigram descriptions into Petri net models. This translation allows the behaviour, represented by the systemigram, to be analysed via Petri net theory, and it has the potential of performing ‘what if’ analysis. Application of this algorithm is shown via a case study that translates and analyses a systemigram of a realistic industrial process that forms the Order Intake phase of a product's life cycle.
