Constraint based Modeling according to Reference Design

TL;DR

This paper introduces a formal, semantic-based approach for embedding reference models into design processes, enabling verification and reuse, with demonstrated industrial applicability.

Contribution

It presents a generic, formal description method for reference models using semantic technologies, supporting solution design, verification, and reuse in various modeling environments.

Findings

Supports formal description of reference models

Enables verification of designs against reference models

Proven applicability in industrial contexts

Abstract

Reference models in form of best practices are an essential element to ensured knowledge as design for reuse. Popular modeling approaches do not offer mechanisms to embed reference models in a supporting way, let alone a repository of it. Therefore, it is hardly possible to profit from this expertise. The problem is that the reference models are not described formally enough to be helpful in developing solutions. Consequently, the challenge is about the process, how a user can be supported in designing dedicated solutions assisted by reference models. In this paper, we present a generic approach for the formal description of reference models using semantic technologies and their application. Our modeling assistant allows the construction of solution models using different techniques based on reference building blocks. This environment enables the subsequent verification of the developed designs against the reference models for conformity. Therefore, our reference modeling assistant highlights the interdependency. The application of these techniques contributes to the formalization of requirements and finally to quality assurance in context of maturity model. It is possible to use multiple reference models in context of system of system designs. The approach is evaluated in industrial area and it can be integrated into different modeling landscapes.