OPM & color petri nets based executable system of systems architecting: A building block in FILA-SoS

Abstract

The ability to coordinate intricate operations in both intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as search and rescue (SAR) operations is a complex issue. Such operations can be described as a System-of-Systems (SoS). Both object process methodology (OPM) and color petri nets (CPN) can be used to create executable architecture models for an SoS. The modeling approach proposed in this study can capture the interactions that occur between either collaborating systems or components. It can also be used to analyze the behavioral aspects of an SoS. OPM models are easy to understand, giving stakeholders the ability to envision architecture's quality and scale. In contrast, the simulation capabilities of CPN can be used for accurate performance assessment. The proposed modelling approach facilitates decision making by providing a better estimation and confidence of the SoS's performance. Development of an executable architecture for an SoS will be of importance to policy makers by discerning, exploring, and adjusting stakeholder's firmly held beliefs, finding new ways for systems to work together, learning more cost effective SoS arrangements and aid in negotiations with component systems to build an SoS.