1. AFME: general systems analysis method

1.1 AFME principles

The analysis of matter and energy flows consists in studying the way in which matter (including water), energy, and even information and money, move through a system, previously rigorously defined in time and space. AFME also seeks to establish links between :

• the characteristics of the various parts of the system ;

• system structure ;

• the dynamics of its flows;

• and overall system behavior (functions performed, performance, stability, resilience, etc.).

AFME therefore involves the construction of a conceptual model of the system under study, made up of processes, stocks and flows,...