Object-Process Methodology Applied to Modeling Credit Card Transactions

Abstract

Object-Process Methodology (OPM) is a system development and specification approach that combines the major system aspects - function, structure and behavior - within a single graphic and textual model. Having applied OPM in a variety of domains, this paper specifies an electronic commerce system in a hierarchical manner, at the top of which are the processes of managing a generic product supply chain before and after the product is manufactured. Focusing on the post-product supply chain management, we gradually refine the details of the fundamental, almost "classical" electronic commerce interaction between the retailer and the end customer, namely payment over the Internet using the customer’s credit card. The specification results in a set of Object-Process Diagrams and a corresponding equivalent set of Object-Process Language sentences. The synergy of combining structure and behavior within a single formal model, expressed both graphically textually yields a highly expressive system modeling and specification tool. The comprehensive, unambiguous treatment of this basic electronic commerce process is formal, yet intuitive and clear, suggesting that OPM is a prime candidate for becoming a common standard vehicle for defining, specifying and analyzing electronic commerce and supply chain management systems.