A Process Modeling Methodology for Automation of Manual and Time Dependent Processes

Traditional functional modeling methodologies tend to look at the decomposition of a physical artifact, system, or subsystem, but these techniques are just as applicable to processes, manual operations, and human-centric procedures. A process, when decomposed into its most basic tasks and events, resembles the products traditionally modeled using functional modeling. The aim of this paper is to present a methodology to model such processes utilizing functional modeling techniques. Process models allow for the mapping of an operation to ensure desired outputs are achieved at specific times (or after certain time durations), goals are met, critical paths are followed, and efficiency is increased. The proposed process modeling methodology is further explored as a tool to understand and identify what elements of a manual or human centric process may be automated or solved by some other engineering solution.Copyright © 2006 by ASME