The embedding of the system, which has to be developed, into its environment and the environment itself are described by the associated partial model. Relevant influences (e.g.superior systems or user inputs) will be identified and the interplay between them will be evaluated. The process sequence describes all relevant processes by a manufacturing function and attributes. The functions will be concretised into technologies and manufacturing processes during the conceptual design. Each process is characterised by at least one input object and one output object. These objects are material elements and will be described more detailed in chapter 3. The last material element is the end product of the process. Resources are necessary for the execution of the processes. They are defined e.g. as all tools, machines or personnel that are required for the process. Each process step of the process sequence is allocated to at least one resource. As well as the other relevant partial model, the resources will be characterised in more detail in the following chapter.