Simulation of Database Interactions for Early Validation of Digitized Enterprise Processes

Abstract

Digitized enterprise processes often encompass interaction with relational databases. Describing and simulating large-scale and complex processes on different abstraction levels lead to the use of tools and methods of Model-based Systems Engineering. In practice, current entity-relationship modeling approaches solely enable modeling relational database structure without simulation of database interactions at an early development stage. However, in general, it is known that early validation improves common understanding and communication in the development team and reduces the risk of design flaws. This paper presents an approach for model-based enterprise process digitization and a previously developed and now enhanced broker-based SysML Toolbox for integrating real relational databases into SysML simulations. The approach comprises status quo documentation concerning enterprise processes, development of digitized processes and required relational database structures as well as validation of digitized processes using the SysML Toolbox.