Business Analysis: Function Modelling Using IDEF0

Name: Business Analysis: Function Modelling Using IDEF0
Rating: 4.6 (334 reviews)

A practical approach to IDEF0 international standard in business analysis, data analysis, systems engineering and more

Created byTish Chungoora

Last updated 4/2026

English

What you'll learn

Apply IDEF0 graphical language to model flows of inputs, outputs, mechanisms and controls to any activity, process or function and to any level of detail
Utilise Microsoft Visio or other similar diagramming tool to model IDEF0 diagrams
Present IDEF0 models for maximum visual impact on stakeholders and peers
Visually model functional and non-functional requirements as well as user stories
Acknowledge the benefits of IDEF0 modelling and the related best practices

Course content

5 sections • 28 lectures • 1h 47m total length

Welcome to the course!3:23
This is the very first lecture in this series where we will go through introductions and the target audience for the course.
Course structure, learning outcomes and prerequisites4:09
This lecture describes the structure of the course and explains what you will gain from it. We also touch on the relevant prerequisites that you need to be aware of.
Checkpoint: Will this course meet my needs?0:35
Here, you will find a decision tree diagram that will help you decide whether this course is really what you are after.

Functions, inputs, outputs, mechanisms and controls6:11
This lesson sheds light on the meaning of the main constructs defined in IDEF0 graphical language, which are functions, inputs, outputs, mechanisms and controls.
Decomposition structure5:10
IDEF0 decomposition structure is the approach used for capturing different levels of detail in function modelling. This lecture describes the fundamentals of the decomposition structure.
Connectors and arrows7:28
The layout of connectors and arrows is important for modelling input, output, mechanism and control flows. In this lecture, we get to cover the semantics of the arrows and how to interpret them in IDEF0 models.
Benefits of using IDEF03:03
This lecture describes the benefits of utilising IDEF0 and why it is a nice addition as tool for business analysis, information modelling and systems engineering.

Overview and tools of the trade2:20
This lecture sets the scene for this section of the course and gives you an idea of what you need, for example, in terms of software application, in order to model in IDEF0 graphical language.
[Tutorial] Getting started2:58
In this lecture, we get to run through the basics of how to get started with Microsoft Visio for modelling in IDEF0.
[Activity] Case study 1: IDEF0 in industrial engineering6:52
This is the first case study where we get to run through the description of a scenario in the context of production engineering. This is mostly a listening and note-taking activity but you are also encouraged to list down possible IDEF0 functions, inputs, outputs, mechanisms and controls as they are mentioned in the case study.
[Tutorial] Case study 1: Analysis8:11
This is a tutorial lecture where we analyse the scenario described in the previous lecture to build a list of terms and categorise them as functions, inputs, outputs, mechanisms and controls.
[Tutorial] Case study 1: Top-level context diagram5:29
Using the information derived from the analysis, this tutorial lecture explains how to generate the top-level context diagram.
[Tutorial] Case study 1: A0 node3:53
Using the information derived from the analysis, this tutorial lecture explains how to generate the A0 node, which is the decomposition of the top-level context diagram.
[Tutorial] Case study 1: Node tree2:27
Using the information derived from the analysis, this tutorial lecture explains how to visualise the decomposition structure through the node tree.
[Solution] Case study 1: Supporting materials0:03
This lecture holds all the downloadable resources for the first case study.
[Activity] Case study 2: IDEF0 in information systems7:11
This is the second case study where we get to run through the description of a scenario in the context of information systems. After listening and reading the case study, your activity is to apply IDEF0 graphical language to model the top-level context diagram, A0 node and node tree.
[Solution] Case study 2: Supporting materials0:03
This lecture holds all the downloadable resources for the second case study.
Other use cases of IDEF0: Part 1: Reporting requirements & user story capture6:10
IDEF0 graphical language has a vast scope of application. In this lecture, we touch on a couple of other use cases of IDEF0 which can help you maximise where to apply it.
Other use cases of IDEF0: Part 2: Data flow through data processes1:02
IDEF0 graphical language has a vast scope of application. This lecture is a continuation from the previous lesson.

Overview1:45
This lecture sets the scene for this section of the course where we will see how to use presentation techniques to enhance the delivery of IDEF0 models.
PowerPoint it!2:43
Microsoft PowerPoint is a very useful tool for creating navigable models. This lecture explains how to apply PowerPoint to add IDEF0 models and create navigable image maps.
Prezi it!3:35
Prezi is another very engaging tool that you can explore for presenting your IDEF0 models. In this lecture, we explore the use of Prezi for creating navigable models that can be zoomed in and out.

Best practices6:12
This lecture elaborates on the best practices to follow when modelling in IDEF0 graphical language.
Conclusion2:17
This is the final video lecture in this series where concluding remarks are presented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)3:43
Frequently asked questions related to the application of IDEF0.
Glossary9:13
Definition of key terms relevant to the material presented in this course. The definitions are referenced from ISO/IEC/IEEE 31320-1:2012, Information technology - Modeling Languages - Part 1: Syntax and Semantics for IDEF0.
Acknowledgements and more0:25
Attributions, special thanks and disclaimer.
Bonus lecture0:39

Requirements

Have an appreciation of the purpose and scope of business analysis, information modelling or systems engineering
Some basic level of understanding of jargon used in the information systems domain and engineering
Ideally to have used at least one kind of graphical modelling tool in the past, e.g. flowcharts, etc.
Ideally to have Microsoft Visio application installed, although you should be able to use any software tool that allows you to work with boxes, angled connectors and text. You may also use pen and paper

Description

Stop describing processes in words. Start modelling them with precision.

Most professionals struggle to communicate process complexity across teams and stakeholders. IDEF0 gives you a rigorous, internationally standardised method — ISO/IEC/IEEE 31320-1:2012 — to model any function at any level of detail, in a format that everyone can read and verify.

IDEF0 is a powerful yet simple graphical language that lets you visually represent functions (activities and processes), along with their inputs, outputs, controls and mechanisms. It is one of the most useful additions you can make to your business analysis and information modelling toolkit.

What you will be able to do after this course:

Decompose any business process into structured, readable function models
Communicate system design clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Identify and map inputs, outputs, controls and mechanisms with precision
Move fluidly between high-level context diagrams and detailed decomposition layers
Present your models professionally using industry-standard tools and templates

What the course covers:

The course builds your knowledge progressively. It starts with a clear explanation of every core building block of the IDEF0 graphical language — boxes, arrows, node numbering, etc. — covering their meaning and correct usage. This foundation leads into a series of worked examples and case studies that are discussed, analysed and solved step by step, so you develop real applied intuition rather than just theoretical knowledge. You are also shown key techniques for presenting your models in a professional context.

A full set of downloadable resources is included: Microsoft Visio templates, fully-worked solutions, reference images, slide decks and more.

Who this course is for:

This course is aimed at business analysts, information modellers, data analysts, systems engineers, design engineers and similar practitioners at any level of seniority who have no prior exposure to IDEF0. If you work with complex processes and need a better way to document, communicate or redesign them, this course is built for you. It is equally suitable for anyone with a broader interest in visual methods for information representation.

Who this course is for:

Beginner to advanced Business Analysts with no prior exposure to IDEF0
Design and manufacturing engineers involved in information modelling
Software product managers and agile product owners who need an understanding of structured methods for modelling system functions and information flows

Business Analysis: Function Modelling Using IDEF0

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction3 lectures • 8min

IDEF0: The basics4 lectures • 22min

Let's get drawing!12 lectures • 47min

Presenting your models3 lectures • 8min

Course wrap-up6 lectures • 22min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: