Development of business process simulation models based on the IDEF0 methodology using Petri net theory

The relevance of the research is due to the requirements for modern tools for automating the process of developing business process models. Modern design tools have greater functionality and support various methodologies which makes it possible to develop models in various subject areas. One of the disadvantages of this type of system is the absence of means for presenting simulation models based on the graphical models obtained during development. Owing to this, we can talk about the relevance of developing new methods and approaches that will enable simultaneous construction of simulation models and development of the graphical representation of a business process based on modern methodologies. The approach proposed in this study is aimed at helping developers of CASE applications. Additionally, it facilitates the automation of creating business process simulation models using the theory of Petri nets. The methodology of the IDEF family – IDEF0 – was used as the main methodology for modeling the functional features of business processes. When developing the proposed approach, the limitations adopted in the IDEF0 methodology were accounted for. The following restrictions were considered: rules for creating a context diagram, decomposition rules, and the use of all possible arrows in this methodology. The approach presented in the study allows for the construction of business process simulation models based on the IDEF0 methodology in parallel with their development when integrating the corresponding software design into the CASE tool.