IMM, the Integrated Modelling Method, created by John Owens in Queenstown, New Zealand, in 2000, is the first [business systems modeling method] that integrates all of the facets of [Business Systems Modeling].
In essence IMM demonstrates how all business models should be centred on the core activities of the business – Business Functions.
This was a major breakthrough achieved by IMM as, prior to its development, all business models in Business Systems Modelling were totally disjointed across model types, i.e. [Process Models], [Data Flow Diagrams] (DFDs), [Data Models], [Procedure Models], etc. were all totally standalone.
The essential model types in IMM are:
Function Catalogue: This is the model that lies at the heart of IMM. It is a catalogue all of the Business Functions of the within the enterprise.
Process Model: This allows the business to define the order in which Business Functions need to be executed in response to a Trigger in order to achieve a Preferred Outcome.
Procedure Model: This is a definition of the means by which steps in a Business Process are performed. The Business Process is the “what”, the Procedure is the “how”.
Data Structure Model: This model describes the data entities needed to support the execution of Business Functions and the relationships between the these entities. Also referred to as an Entity Relationship Diagram.
Data State Model: Over time some data entities can exist in several different states. The Data State Model describes what the allowable states are and the Business Functions required to move them from one state to the next.
Information Flow Model: This show how information flows between Business Functions in the business and between the business and the outside world.
Matrix Model: This allow the relationship between facets of the business to be modelled and understood. For example, which Business Functions are performed in which departments and using which technology.
Definitions
Business Function: This is an activity or coherent set of activities that a business must perform in order to achieve its objectives and remain in existence. A Business Functions must create or transform data.
Mechanism: The means by which Business Functions are executed. For example, the Business Function “Bill the Customer” could be carried out by the Mechanism “Produce Invoice”.
Business Process: The order or execution of Business Functions. Each activity in a Business Process must be a Business Function.
Business Procedure: The means by which Business Processes are carried out. In essence procedure describes the order of execution of the Mechanisms for each Business Function in the Process.
Data Entity: An element of data required by a business.