A KNOWLEDGE-BASED APPROACH TO THE GENERATION OF IDEFO MODELS

Though a powerful tool for modelling manufacturing systems, IDEF0 is n ot without weaknesses. It is generally recognised that the process of IDEF0 modelling can be time-consuming and inconsistent. However, the p rocess may be automated to improve time-effectiveness and consistency. This paper proposes a knowledge-based system for automating the proce ss. The system, which is meant for the discrete manufacturing industry , is based on the concept of reference models. It is intended for the modellers of manufacturing systems, as an aid rather than as their rep lacement. A. prototype of the proposed system has been developed. The paper explains the knowledge-based approach to the generation of IDEF0 models and describes the work that has been done at Gintic on the dev elopment of the prototype system.