Mapping SPEM Process Specifications to Activity Cycle Diagrams

Abstract

The development of discrete event simulation models to simulate engineering processes is a complex endeavour because it requires a great deal of effort, time and expertise in different areas, in addition to knowledge of techniques of modelling and implementation. We aim to provide a model-driven approach to automate the generation of simulation models from process models. The approach consists of algorithms that map elements of SPEM (Software & Systems Process Engineering Metamodel) to XACDML (eXtensible Activity Cycle Diagrams Markup Language). SPEM is a notation used to model engineering processes. XACDML is a textual specification of ACD. ACD is graphical notation to represent discrete event simulation models. We extended XACDML to cope with SPEM hierarchical elements enabling the mappings between the models. We developed a tool and use it in an example in order to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach. The results indicate that the approach is feasible and reduces the burden associated with building simulation models of engineering processes.