Executable Architecture is an architecture that contain executable models, (i.e. software-based simulations) that an analyst can execute to evaluate performance in different situations or scenarios. Executable Architectures are used to validate that the architectually significant requirements are correctly implemented.
Live training exercises while valuable are often very expensive to organize and conduct. The limitations of live exercises could be overcome through the use of integrated modular simulations that model the major phenomena and incident response operations associated with a disaster. Planning and training systems that are based upon simulation technology could help to prepare for a more diverse range of scenarios than live exercises. These systems could also support individual, team, or multi-organizational planning and training needs at lower cost. Distributed simulation will be an absolute must to support preparations for disaster incident management and emergency response operations.
The simulation of an operational processes is of significant importance in any organization in order to find areas of low productivity and bottlenecks, which in return provides an opportunity for improvement, streamlining, and cost reduction. The simulation of military operational processes is even more important, in that it provides decision makers with the capability to view alternative concepts of operations and command and control design architectures such as: work flow, communications, information exchange, personnel and equipment resource allocation prior to time critical events and missions.
Process simulation allows analysts and decision makers to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the current organization, staff processes, and resource allocation. The value of process simulation is the ability to modify parameters and test alternative operational processes and architectures which enables decision makers to improve and alter future processes.
Process simulation develops and integrates transformational Net-Enabled Command Capability (NECC) processes and work flows analysis and assumptions. The NECC is the Department of Defense (DoD) C2 program to integrate existing and emerging C2 capabilities into a net-centric, enterprise-based, interoperable, joint architecture, to deliver integrated applications and databases to support the National Military Command System, Joint Force Commanders (JFC), Service/Functional components, and unit level commanders’ decision making processes.
Dynamic Process Modeling (DPM) takes process modeling to the next level by adding the simple element of execution. Creating a dynamic model of a process or architecture offers the ability to adjust or replace components in order to provide and visualize alternatives. Applying executable architectures can support operational environments utilizing an open standards-based solution and federal communities with measurable & repeatable environments. Also, environments of training, experimentation, and operational events can be virtually reproduced and evaluated.
By adjusting or changing the flow of activities, we can, in effect, adjust doctrine or TTP and see the effects on mission performance using a simulation environment that is linked to process and communication models. By applying simulations to operational processes, the federal government can reduce time and costs by testing certain aspects of a system’s performance within the simulation environment prior to spending the resources to physically build the capability. When used as an approved surrogate for a live operational test environment, such a simulation offers the test community opportunities for greatly increased flexibility and significantly decreased cost and complexity.