A generic IDEFo model of process planning

A generic IDEFo model of process planning is presented. The complete model consists of 23 activity diagrams spanning six levels. A corresponding node index and data dictionary is included. IDEFo was found to be a powerful functional modelling technique which minimized the need for elaborate descriptive text and its graphical presentation provided a clear representation of a complex aspect of manufacturing. The IDEFo model is recognized as exhaustive in terms of capturing information but the production of diagrams requires practice that could limit its widespread use in an industrial context.