FRAMalyse: An Open Tool to Quantitatively Analyze and Evaluate the Characteristics of Models Derived by the Functional Resonance Analysis Method

As modern socio-technical systems become increasingly complex, there is a growing need for innovative risk and safety management models and methods. The Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) is a recent approach designed to address this complexity. Interest is rising in expanding the capabilities of software tools that support FRAM analyses. Four well-known examples of FRAM-related tools are the FRAM Model Visualizer, the FRAM Model Interpreter, myFRAM, and DynaFRAM. These tools aid in modeling, simulation, visualization, and interpretation of system variabilities. However, they often lack a user-friendly interface for effective practical analysis and evaluation of a FRAM model's characteristics as well as communication of analysis results. To address this gap, this paper introduces a new open software tool—FRAMalyse. Developed to enhance the quantitative analysis and evaluation of FRAM models, FRAMalyse is particularly useful for managing the complexity of large-scale FRAM models. This initial version aims to empower practitioners and decision-makers to explore FRAM models systematically, efficiently, and effectively, potentially increasing the adoption and usability of FRAM across different domains and industries. The paper explains the functionalities of FRAMalyse, provides application purposes, and gives an outlook for possible enhancements in the future.

Keywords: FRAM, Resilience engineering, Sociotechnical system, Complexity, Safety management, Software.