Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Systems Modeling?

Troy Holmes
Troy Holmes

Modeling techniques are used by businesses to simulate real-life activities. Systems modeling refers to a process businesses use to test computer models. This is most often used to model software applications and computer hardware schematics. The system model includes detailed diagrams that represent the hardware and software modules of a running software application.

Companies have been using systems modeling for many years to communicate how a system works within an organization. These models are broken into specific business processes that are necessary to complete a task. Each business process is depicted in the systems model as an activity that is necessary to complete jobs for the organization. These models document how a business process interacts with software components.

Businessman giving a thumbs-up
Businessman giving a thumbs-up

Systems modeling typically includes several documents and diagrams that define the order that tasks are completed within a process. This helps an organization improve productivity by highlighting redundant and inefficient activities. These workflows present a diagram of step-by-step activities of the work performed by people and machines. The model is a good way to evaluate and improve the productivity of a business process because it clearly defines the steps used to complete each task.

Modeling is an important part of any computer design. Systems modeling helps determine what is necessary for an application or process to work correctly and identify problems that might make these not work correctly. The systems model is typically required in most large organizations because it helps management understand how the computer system is built and used.

The security model is another feature often found within a systems model. This includes special schematics that outline the type of security deterrents used in the application. This typically includes encryption protocols, special hardware, software, and special security measure needed for the organization. The security model is a description of how security is implemented.

The computer industry has defined standards for how systems modeling should be documented. The most general form of these standards is known as the systems modeling language (SysML). This language format has been adopted by the Object Management Group (OMG) and has been incorporated as an extension to the standard Unified Modeling Language (UML). This is a standard method of documenting business models that includes systems and functions for an organization.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Businessman giving a thumbs-up
      Businessman giving a thumbs-up