Showing papers on "Enterprise software published in 1998"

The Enterprise Ontology

Abstract: This is a comprehensive description of the Enterprise Ontology, a collection of terms and definitions relevant to business enterprises. We state its intended purposes, describe how we went about building it, define all the terms and describe our experiences in converting these into formal definitions. We then describe how we used the Enterprise Ontology and give an evaluation which compares the actual uses with original purposes. We conclude by summarising what we have learned. The Enterprise Ontology was developed within the Enterprise Project, a collaborative effort to provide a framework for enterprise modelling. The ontology was built to serve as a basis for this framework which includes methods and a computer tool set for enterprise modelling. We give an overview of the Enterprise Project, elaborate on the intended use of the ontology, and give a brief overview of the process we went through to build it. The scope of the Enterprise Ontology covers those core concepts required for the project, which will appeal to a wider audience. We present natural language definitions for all the terms, starting with the foundational concepts (e.g. entity, relationship, actor). These are used to define the main body of terms, which are divided into the following subject areas: activities, organisation, strategy and marketing. We review some of the things learned during the formalisation process of converting the natural language definitions into Ontolingua. We identify and propose solutions for what may be general problems occurring in the development of a wide range of ontologies in other domains. We then characterise in general terms the sorts of issues that will be faced when converting an informal ontology into a formal one. Finally, we describe our experiences in using the Enterprise Ontology. We compare these with the intended uses, noting our successes and failures. We conclude with an overall evaluation and summary of what we have learned.

Integrated business system for web based telecommunications management

Abstract: The specification discloses a method of doing business over the public Internet, particularly, a method which enables access to legacy management tools used by a telecommunications enterprise in the management of the enterprise business to the enterprise customer, to enable the customer to more effectively manage the business conducted by the customer through the enterprise, this access being provided over the public Internet. This method of doing business is accomplished with one or more secure web servers which manage one or more secure client sessions over the Internet, each web server supporting secure communications with the client workstation; a web page backplane application capable of launching one or more management tool applications used by the enterprise. Each of the management tool applications provide a customer interface integrated within said web page which enables interactive Web/Internet based communications with the web servers; each web server supports communication of messages entered via the integrated customer interface to one or more remote enterprise management tool application servers which interact with the enterprise management tool applications to provide associated management capabilities to the customer.

Secure customer interface for web based data management

Abstract: An integrated series of security protocols is disclosed that protect remote user communications with remote enterprise services, and simultaneously protect the enterprises services from third parties. In the first layer, an implementation of the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) version of HTTPS provides communications security, including authentication of the enterprise web server and the security of the transmitted data. The protocols provide for an identification of the user, and an authentication of the user to ensure the user is who he/she claims to be and a determination of entitlements that the user may avail themselves of within the enterprise system. Session security is described, particularly as to the differences between a remote user's copper wire connection to a legacy system and a user's remote connection to the enterprise system over a “stateless” public Internet, where each session is a single transmission, rather than an interval of time between logon and logoff, as is customary in legacy systems. Security for the enterprise network and security for the data maintained by the various enterprise applications is also described.

System method and article of manufacture for integrated enterprise-wide control

Abstract: A system software solution for controlling an enterprise comprising one or more components for controlling one or more aspects of an industrial environment with code that creates a database of components, each of the components containing control, diagnostic and resource information pertaining to enterprise resources utilized in the industrial environment. The system also generates code that controls resources comprising cognitive and timing information that synchronizes events throughout the enterprise. The database of components includes code that updates the database to reflect changes in the enterprise and integrates the new design, simulation, implementation and maintenance changes to optimize the manufacturing enterprise utilizing the database of components.

System, method and article of manufacture for building an enterprise-wide data model

Abstract: A system software solution for controlling an enterprise having one or more components for controlling one or more aspects of an industrial environment. The software includes one or more components for controlling one or more aspects of an industrial environment with code that creates a database of components from existing schematics and timing diagrams. Each of the components have control, diagnostic and resource information pertaining to enterprise resources utilized in the industrial environment. The system also generates code that controls resources comprising cognitive and timing information that synchronizes events throughout the enterprise. The database of components including code that updates the database to reflect changes in the enterprise that manages the design, simulation, implementation and maintenance of a manufacturing enterprise utilizing the database of components. The enterprise control system integrates existing data models into control resources and stores the updated control resources in the database and creates visualizations including schematics, timing diagrams and sequencing charts.

A multi-agent system for enterprise integration

Abstract: The production management system used by most manufacturers today is comprised of disconnected planning and execution processes, and lacks the support for interoperability for enterprise wide integration. This situation often prevents the manufacturer from fully exploring market opportunities in a timely fashion. To address this problem, we propose an agent-based framework for intelligent enterprise integration. A set of agents with specialized expertise can be quickly assembled to help with the gathering of relevant information and knowledge, to cooperate with each other and with other management systems and human managers and analysts to arrive at timely decisions in dealing with various enterprise scenarios. The proposed multi-agent system, including its theoretical foundation, architecture, and implementation are presented. The work of this system is demonstrated through an integration scenario involving real management software systems.

The extended concept of co-operation

Abstract: This paper describes the idea of the extended enterprise, in which manufacturing companies co-operate closely to maximize the benefits of the business they are all involved in. The concept ofthe extended enterprise is explored, and itseffect on purchasing relationships is considered. Production planning considerations are dealt with and the extended enterprise is considered from the viewpoint of the supplier. Modelling and analysis of the extended enterprise in connection with process improvement is reviewed, and some questions that arise from the co-operative approach are presented. The paper concludes that the concept stems from supply chain management and the interest in integration across boundaries. The extended enterprise presents many challenges, but may be a new source of competitive advantage.

Component-Based Development for Enterprise Systems

Abstract: This ground-breaking book distills the experience of the author in dealing with problems in industry that can be solved by using the SELECT Perspective. A pragmatic component-based approach for the development of enterprise systems, the SELECT Perspective comprises a unique blend of techniques, architecture, and process. Enterprise software development presents challenges of sheer scale and complexity that continue to accelerate at a terrific pace. Businesses are becoming increasingly adaptive and are calling for software that is more and more flexible. Component technology holds the promise of solving these problems, but there are some complications. For example, many organizations continue to struggle with the challenge of integrating their legacy systems with the newer technology. The approach in this book offers a streamlined set of modeling techniques based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML); uses a serviced-based architecture that provides an overall design philosophy for reusable software that addresses the needs of the business, not the technology; and is a clearly defined software process that provides guidance on how to employ the knowledge base of available techniques.

Policies in communities: extending the ODP enterprise viewpoint

Abstract: The Reference Model of Open Distributed Processing (RM-ODP) introduces the notion of an enterprise viewpoint and provides a minimum set of concepts for structuring enterprise language specifications. This paper extends the RM-ODP enterprise concepts by exploring how policy can be modelled within and between communities. A model for enterprise behaviour based on physical and social actions is presented.

Enterprise resource planning--breakthrough and/or term problem?

Abstract: The Software Practitioner 'q-hrough a glass, darkly\" is a biblical description of the. imperfect way in which we see the world around us.

Successful Implementation of an Enterprise System: A Case Study

Abstract: This paper presents a brief case study of a successful enterprise system implementation that was accomplished in a short development cycle. The case examines the key decisions of the development team and key success

System and method for integrating enterprise management application with network management operations

Abstract: The invention is directed to an enterprise management integration tool for providing a centralized repository for storage and processing of information related to the execution of the enterprise management functions. This is accomplished through the use of a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) and specific database schema that model the enterprise components and services being managed. The interface with this database will be in one of two preferred forms: (1) software bridges to specific management applications; (2) standardized Structured Query Language (SQL) to applications that support the use of SQL. The database-centric approach provides a framework for integration of myriad applications (software programs) based on the needs of the enterprise management personnel. It also provides mechanisms for distribution of management information between enterprise management sites to increase the robustness and fault resistance of the enterprise management system, support sharing of management responsibilities between enterprise management sites, and allow for distribution of management information to organizations and personnel indirectly associated with the enterprise management process (e.g., billing and finance, engineering, etc.).

Computer architecture for multi-organization data access

Abstract: Users are provided access to locally controlled data under centrally controlled rules of access. First, users request access to one or more agency databases from an enterprise system. After access is authorized using any known technique, users access agency databases, via the Internet, intranet(s) or other public or enterprise networks, using enterprise standard forms. Industry standard display programs, such as web browsers may be used to display the forms. The data fields on the forms are defined by agency and user profiles stored in enterprise databases. The content of the fields are supplied by the agency databases.

Enterprise integration: Issues and methods

Abstract: The necessity of maintaining lean operations and becoming an 'agile enterprise', in which the speed and flexibility at which a company functions matches that of its technology, is widely accepted. Information technology is providing the means for companies to integrate better their internal and external activities. This level of integration is achieved through 'enterprisewide systems' that reflect the current operations and processes of the business and allow decision-makers to digest information more rapidly and accurately, and with more flexibility. The objective of this paper is to review some of the current literature concerning enterprise integration and to identify and discuss the main issues that need to be considered before attempting to establish enterprise-wide integration.

Virtual Enterprise and Corporate Memory.

Abstract: In Concurrent Engineering, several designers in different fields and from different enterprise collaborate to build a product. This organization is a temporal organizational structure, called virtual enterprise. In fact, once the project is realized, the virtual enterprise is dissolved, so the deal in such organization is to keep the volatile knowledge. In this paper, we propose a guide to elaborate a corporate memory in Concurrent Engineering by identifying the type of memory needed, the contents of memory according to its use during the Concurrent Engineering process.

The development of an enterprise resources planning system using a hierarchical design pyramid

Abstract: Today, manufacturers are measured by their ability to respond quickly to sudden, often unpredictable changes in customer needs and wants. Competition beyond the twenty-first century places an increased emphasis upon receiving business information that is accurate and up to date. In order to achieve this, a business planning and closed-loop manufacturing execution system must reflect how work is done, in order to support the overall business objectives without being limited by any hardware, software and human resource constraints. Enterprise resources planning (ERP) is considered to be the most effective computer application in the modern manufacturing industry which meets these requirements. However, only a few manufacturers can design and implement the system successfully. They encounter various problems during the design and implementation cycle. One of the major reasons why they cannot implement the system successfully is the inappropriate use of design and implementation methodology. A systematic design and implementation methodology is therefore proposed for ERP. Called the hierarchical design pyramid (HDP), it encompasses recent research on the ICAM definition method (IDEF) and the object-oriented methodology (OOM) as well as an architecture for any manufacturers who seriously consider ERP implementation.

Simulation software component architecture for simulation-based enterprise applications

Abstract: This paper examines trends and technologies leading towards simulation-based enterprise applications. Component, Internet and distributed technologies are presented as enablers of simulation-based enterprise applications. Examples are given of typical applications that can take advantage of distributed simulation components. The goal of this paper is to present a high level component architecture that will work in current enterprise information technology (IT) environments.

An Enterprise Decision Framework for Information System Selection

Abstract: A decision framework is essential for the selection of an enterprise information system. Learning to follow this framework provides assistance to organizations in identifying common challenges encountered by project teams when selecting and implementing enterprise information systems. By choosing the right team and partners and by choosing the right system and data design, companies substantially can increase the performance of their enterprise system.

Concurrent Enterprising: Toward the Concurrent Enterprise in the Era of the Internet and Electronic Commerce

Abstract: Preface. 1. New Business Trends. 2. Existing Approaches. 3. Virtual Enterprise (VE) and Related Approaches. 4. Concurrent Engineering (CE). 5. Assessment of the Enterprise Approaches. 6. Business Cases and Electronic Commerce. 7. Concurrent Enterprise. 8. Concurrent Enterprising. Conclusions. Index.

High-Level Coordination of Business Processes in a Virtual Enterprise

Abstract: In a Virtual Enterprise scenario the management of the supply-chain is a complex task, especially when some degrees of flexibility are envisaged to be supported. This paper intends to show an approach to improve the quality of this management in order to avoid business chaos. More preciselly, it is introduced a set of specialized software modules named Advanced Coordination Functionalities (ACFs), which take end-user feedback into account to solve important problems during coordination actions within the VE scenario. The study of ACFs is motivated and required by the Prodnet-II ESPRIT project.

An Integrated Enterprise Modeling Environment

Abstract: Increasingly complex systems have stimulated the development of sophisticated methods and tools for enterprise design and analysis. Advances in information technology as well as significant progress in analytical and computational techniques have facilitated the use of such methods in industry. However, enterprise modeling and analysis methods are yet to make a significant impact in the decision-making process of most companies and organizations. In this contribution, we provide a detailed analysis of some of the major roadblocks to a broader use of enterprise modeling methods in industry. We then describe an approach that addresses each of those roadblocks. Finally, we provide an overview of a commercial software environment that implements the approach, explaining the primary motivations for developing the software and describing its main features and characteristics.

The agile enterprise: assessing the technology management issues

Abstract: Research into the virtual business organisation suggests that what are currently held to be examples of virtual business activity do not in fact constitute a new business model. This paper outlines the different models of virtual business organisation in the literature and describes the enterprise web as an agile enterprise model that allows companies to rapidly adopt and exploit the latest technologies and processes. The paper assesses the agile enterprise web as a new organisational paradigm, and identifies some of the dominant technology management issues that will determine the success of this organisational model.

Modeling enterprise software architectures using UML

Abstract: The distributed enterprise systems encountered in domains such as finance, telecommunications, health, and aerospace tend to be large, complex and resource intensive. It is crucial that these systems are designed with robust and resilient software architectures that are efficient to construct and flexible to change. This paper describes the requirements of enterprise software architectures and examines the Unified Modeling Language (UML) constructs and techniques that specify them. These constructs, derived from field-proven methods such as Objectory, Booch, OMT, RSEB and the Unified Software Development Process, can be used to specify various enterprise architecture structures and behavior. It explains how UML can be used to model architectural views, and discusses the role of process in architectural modeling. After summarizing outstanding issues, the discussion concludes with recommendations to refine and extend UML to provide better support for architectural modeling.

A multi-view enterprise modeling scheme

Abstract: Efforts to improve enterprise performance depend to a large extent on models of enterprise processes created for analysis and design. This paper describes a modeling scheme which supports the development of a multi-view model of an enterprise and its processes. The paper first presents an overview of the efforts such as business process reengineering, enterprise integration, and enterprise engineering which make use of process models. The paper then presents the modeling scheme which uses the IDEF suite of modeling methods to build integrated business rule, activity, resource, business process, and organizational views of the enterprise. The scheme is built from a central IDEF5 model of the enterprise from which the other views are extracted.