TOWARDS THE FORMALIZATION 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 organi sation is examined and extended. Specifically, the models known as sys temigrams, which form part of the Boardman soft systems methodology, a re considered. The informal nature of systemigrams allows a nonspecial ist to easily create models of processes, but it does not permit analy sis 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 Pe tri net models. This translation allows the behaviour, represented by the systemigram, to be analysed via Petri net theory, and it has the p otential 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.