At VRAIN, research in software production methods focuses on model-driven engineering, conceptual modelling, and Computer-Aided Method Engineering (CAME) — approaches that raise the level of abstraction in software development and enable the systematic construction of tailored production methods.

Tools developed in this area include MOSKitt4ME, a CAME environment for the construction of software production methods adapted to specific organisational contexts, and MATE, a model-based automation engine that generates code and artefacts from high-level specifications. Work also covers GREAT Process Modeller for business process reengineering and conceptual modelling programming (CMP) techniques, which allow domain experts to specify systems at a higher level of abstraction without direct low-level implementation.