Modeling methods often look at functions in the context of objects from other descriptive views of ARIS. For example, the relationship between data and functions is displayed to illustrate how the input/output data affect the process of transforming a function.

In contrast, the ARIS architecture strictly separates the various areas of consideration (see Scheer, Architecture of Integrated Information Systems, 1992, p. 62). Consequently, the function view covers only those means of representation that show the interconnections between functions. Relationships between functions and data are displayed in the ARIS process view.

A function is a technical task or activity performed for an object to support one or more business objectives (see Scheer, Architecture of Integrated Information Systems, 1992, p. 63).

Functions are displayed as rectangles with rounded corners:

Usually, the criterion for establishing such a function is an information object, such as a customer inquiry or a production order. This should also be expressed in the function name. This is shown in the above figure. Customer inquiry defines the object while Check indicates the operation that is performed for this object. At a higher level, however, mostly a noun is used as the function name (e.g., Procurement logistics, Production, Sales).