To illustrate the material flow in process models (EPC (material flow), material types are allocated to individual functions of the business process in the form of function input or output. Similar to the allocation of information objects to functions (representation of information transformation by functions), this allocation represents the transformation of input material types to output material types. Additionally, the technical resources required for transforming materials can be recorded in the process chains. In this context, a distinction is made between operating resources, warehouse equipment, transport systems, and technical operating supplies.

In the Technical resources model type you can arrange technical resources in a hierarchy, assign a type to them, and classify them. The following object types are available for this purpose:

Operating resources are specimens of various operating resource types that are available for a company to perform its tasks. Operating resources are often identified by inventory numbers (for example, number of a production plant).

An operating resource type typifies individual operating resources that are based on precisely the same technology.

Similar operating resource types can be combined to form an operating resource class. The similarity can be based on different classification criteria. Thus, an operating resource type can be assigned to multiple operating resource classes.

Warehouse equipment items are specimens of various warehouse equipment types that are available for a company to perform its tasks. Warehouse equipment items are often identified by inventory numbers.

A warehouse equipment type typifies individual warehouse equipment items that are based on precisely the same technology.

Similar warehouse equipment types can be combined to form a warehouse equipment class. The similarity can be based on different classification criteria. Thus, a warehouse equipment type can be assigned to multiple warehouse equipment classes.

A technical operating supply is an individual specimen of a technical operating supply type. In general, it can be identified by means of an inventory number.

A technical operating supply type typifies individual technical operating supply items that are based on precisely the same technology.

Similar technical operating supply types can be combined to form a technical operating supply class. The similarity can be based on different classification criteria. Thus, a technical operating supply type can be assigned to multiple technical operating supply classes.

A transport system is an individual specimen of a transport system type. In general, it can be identified by means of an inventory number or a plant number.

A transport system type typifies individual transport systems that are based on precisely the same technology.

Similar transport system types can be combined to form a transport system class. The similarity can be based on different classification criteria. Thus, a transport system type can be assigned to multiple transport system classes.

Due to the various possibilities of creating hierarchies in the Technical resources model type it is possible to describe the structure of complex technical installations. For example, the components of a complex production plant and their interrelationships can be illustrated this way.

In addition to the modeling options mentioned above, there is also the possibility of defining location allocations and organizational responsibilities for technical resources. To do this, the Location, Organizational unit, Group, Position, and Person object types which you already know from the Organizational chart model type are available. These object types can be linked to the Operating resource, Warehouse equipment, Technical operating supply, and Transport system object types.

An example of a Technical resources model type is shown in the following figure.