Modellability of System Characteristics - Using Formal Mark-up Languages for Change Capability by Design

Abstract

Change capability enables a production system to cope with external influences in an efficient, fast and self-organized manner. Several approaches have been designed for measuring change capability by specific indicators which represent core characteristics of production systems. On the other hand, formal modelling languages are used for production system design. Unfortunately, these languages do not match with system characteristics and especially with those indicators of change capability. Due to this missing linkage, existent production system models don’t facilitate the implementation of a system's change capability by design. Goal of this contribution is to point out the possibilities of operationalization approaches and their potential to be extended for (formal) modelling of system characteristics and sub properties, exemplified by using the concept of change capability. Additionally, the potential of change capability to be representable in a formal language will be exemplarily outlined by emphasizing on Systems Modelling Language (SysML). For this purpose, a qualitative approach with an emphasis on literature- and content analysis will be applied. Results of this contribution are (1) to pinpoint the research gap (which is also of crucial practical relevance) and (2) to point out possible solution approaches for a formal modellability of system characteristics.