Function definition diagrams depicting functional relationships and their inputs, outputs, mechanisms, and controls.
The first IDEF (Integrated DEFinition) method deals with representing interrelated functions within an enterprise. The method results in a set of diagrams wherein boxes representing functions are connected graphically using lines on their four sides. Then sides each are accurate with a type of relationship a thing has with the function.
Inputs
These are the things that are modified by the function to become the outputs.
Controls
These are what tell the function how to produce the correct output.
Outputs
These are what the function exists to do.
Mechanisms
These are those things which the function needs to operate, but aren’t modified by it.
Sources
- The IDEF0 Spec (I read the whole thing)
- IDEF0 Functional Modeling