How to Model Jumping from a Process Diagram to a Different Process Diagram
Simulation of IDEF0 Processes
Let’s say we need to simulate performance of the IDEF0 diagram with two functions (Figure 1). The function shapes are connected by an arrow. The "Process A" and "Process B" diagrams are described in the Basic Flowchart/Cross-functional Flowchart, ЕРС notations or in BPMN. The arrows that connect the functions, are used to transfer control during simulation. The simulation engine simulates performance of the "Process A" diagram and as soon as it activates the end event, the simulation engine goes to the "Process B" diagram. Note that an instance of the "Process B" process is created only in case the shape of the start event of the "Process B" diagram and the shape of the end event of the "Process A" diagram are both shapes of the same event object.
In case the "Process A" and "Process B" diagrams are designed in the Basic Flowchart/Cross-functional Flowchart notations, the event shapes matching is not required, the simulation engine uses the arrows only.
Simulation of Separate Process Diagrams that Have No Arrow Connections in the IDEF0 Diagram
To connect diagrams designed in the Flowchart notations, you need to add an Off-page reference to a diagram (Figure 4). The simulation engine uses this shape to jump to the corresponding diagram. Look at Figures 4 and 5 for an example of using off-page references for diagram connection.
To connect a diagram designed in the EPC notation with any other process diagram, you need to add a process interface to the EPC diagram. The simulation engine uses this shape to jump to another diagram and looks for the shape of the event whose shape precedes the interface in the EPC diagram. When it finds it, the simulation engine creates a process instance. See Figures 6 and 7 or Figures 8 and 9 for examples.
To connect a process diagram designed in BPMN with any other process diagram, you need to add a collapsed pool to a diagram. The simulation engine uses this shape to jump to the corresponding diagram. When the simulation engine jumps to a diagram, it looks for the shape of the event whose shape precedes the collapsed pool in the BPMN diagram. Note that a process instance is created only in case the shape of the same event is found in the corresponding diagram. See Figures 10 and 11 or Figures 12 and 13 for examples.
