Showing papers on "Enterprise systems engineering published in 1994"

The Extended Manufacturing Enterprise Paradigm

Abstract: Models able to describe state of the art practice are fundamental to understanding the manufacturing phenomenon. A study of innovative current practices enables us to foresee the emergence of a new manufacturing paradigm: the Extended Enterprise. This arises from the need to satisfy customers who are increasingly demanding tailored products with world class capability in every functional aspect. The Extended Enterprise is made both possible and viable by the progress made in manufacturing processes and information technology. It demands the development of a new management philosophy and particularly new organizational structures. Presents a reference model for the Extended Enterprise, and compares the characteristics of this paradigm against the Mass and Lean manufacturing philosophies. Describes the results of a study that analyses the development of co‐operation mechanisms in the aerospace industry.

Ontologies for Enterprise Integration.

Abstract: We present a logical framework for representing the agents in two different cooperating information systems. We define an architecture for Integrated Supply Chain Management in which the supply chain is managed by a set of intelligent agents responsible for one or more activities. We also define an architecture for an enterprise engineering system that allows the exploration of a variety of enterprise designs. We introduce the notion of an advisor as a formalization of the different perspectives that we have with respect to an enterprise. By representing activities in both architectures as sets of first-order axioms in a microtheory, the tasks for the different agents in the architecture can be represented as finding satisfying interpretations of the constraints.

An architecture for the virtual enterprise

Abstract: This paper presents an architecture for the virtual enterprise based upon an object oriented business process modeling approach. The paper proposes that business processes naturally fall into three categories: 1) processes transform external constraints into an internal constraint structure that might be expressed at a system of objectives, policies, and procedures; 2) processes acquire and make ready resources used by the enterprise; and 3) processes (design, marketing, manufacturing, distribution) transform the family of inputs into the desired enterprise results or outputs (i.e. products). The business processes are in turn organized into an enterprise. The paper suggests that the virtual enterprise consists of a set of business processes from category (1) which are collectively owned by the virtual enterprise and a set of business processes from all three categories (1,2,3) which are owned by two or more individual enterprises, but used by both the individual enterprise and the agile or virtual enterprise. The agile enterprise temporarily disturbs but does not consume the individual enterprise. >

An approach to integrate workflow modeling and organization modeling in an enterprise

Abstract: In this paper we introduce a framework for enterprise modeling. We specifically introduce the tasks process modeling (workflow modeling) and organization modeling. Processes describe the activities which have to be performed in an enterprise; an organization describes the people and organizational structure of an enterprise. Although these two tasks are independent in principle, they have to be integrated eventually in order to assign organizational elements (e.g. people) to processes. This paper presents a general model for process and organization modeling and shows a script language of a prototype system. The architecture of that prototype is briefly discussed. >

The Design and Evaluation of Ontologies for Enterprise Engineering

Abstract: We present a logical framework for representing activities, states, time, resources, and cost in an enterprise integration architecture. We define ontologies for these concepts in first-order logic and consider the problems of temporal projection and reasoning about the occurrence of actions. We characterize the ontology with the use of competency questions. The ontology must contain a necessary and sufficient set of axioms to represent and solve these questions. As such, they serve as a methodology for evaluating ontologies for the various tasks in enterprise engineering.

An Activity Ontology for Enterprise Modelling

Abstract: We present a logical framework for representing activities, states, and time in an enterprise integration architecture. We define an ontology for these concepts in first-order logic and consider the problems of temporal projection and reasoning about the occurrence of actions. This framework provides the basis for research in integrated supply chain management and enterprise engineering, as well as a new area for the application of theories of action and time. Content Area: Knowledge Representation

A cost ontology for enterprise modelling

Abstract: There is an urgent need to formalize activity-based costing (ABC) for the purposes of implementation and usage in enterprises so that enterprises have access to the critical element of global success, viz. strategic management accounting. To make this possible, the authors present a core cost ontology and micro-theory of costing for enterprise modelling that spans the knowledge representation of activity, status of activity, time, causality, and resources. This ensures that ABC may be generically deployed in any enterprise to achieve effective activity-based cost management, irrespective of the enterprise belonging to the manufacturing or service sectors. >

Systems engineering of computer-based systems

Abstract: Advances in microprocessor and network technology have led to the proliferation of complex systems with distributed processing and databases, internal communication systems, and heterogeneous components. The processing components can by themselves comprise a system, or they can be embedded in a physical system such as an automobile aircraft, or medical diagnostic system. Both the encompassing system and the processing system are known as computer-based systems (CBSs). Developing large computer-based systems with complex dynamics and component interdependencies requires analysis of critical end-to-end processing flows to determine feasibility and proper allocation. Currently, no engineering discipline provides the knowledge base for the necessary trade-off studies concerning software, hardware and communication components; a new discipline is needed at the systems engineering level. The paper defines the need for a discipline devoted to engineering of computer based systems, identifies current practice and needed research, and suggests improvements that are achievable today. >

Internet: a strategic tool for the software enterprise

Abstract: Thl, articlr mark\\ the begming of n new Commw~ro~~onr column rhat will f&us “n the exploration and discussi”n of currrnt issues, trends, and best practicrs within the software enterprise. The term software enterprise refers to all aspects of a software “rgani~ation-including R&D, s&s and marketing, product maintenance and support, business planning, managmmt, and LO forth. This column will have a distinctly industrial flair, with a primal-y emphasis on the c”“cer”s of the COnlmerCial sotiwarc enterprise. Karher than c”ncentratr “11 programming and implementation issues, this c”lumn will look more broadly at issues facing the software enterprise at large from a practical, industrial perspective. Of all the topics we could cover I” this initial column, nothing seemed m”rr timely than a discussion of the Internet and the opportunities and challenges it presents t” the software e,Xel-prlSe.

Software requirements acquisition through enterprise modelling.

Abstract: Enterprise Modelling technology prescribes systematic use and computer aided documentation of knowledge about enterprises, their objectives, activities, concepts, and actors. The basis of this technology is the Enterprise Model, assumed to be developed by users and requirements engineers during the requirements acquisition process. The Enterprise Model consists of several submodels, that have user-oriented meta-knowledge structures for communication with human sources of information. The Enterprise Model maintains relationships between information system requirements and other relevant, sometimes intentional, knowledge, acquired about the application domain. The main objective of this technology is to obtain a better alignment between the business activities and the supporting information system. The technology presented here is also applicable in the area of business process reengineering.

Capturing information systems requirements through enterprise and speech act modelling

Abstract: Enterprise modelling is a technique for capturing and validating information systems requirements. The validity depends on how well the requirements reflect the real needs of the enterprise and how well they are understood by both requirements holder and requirements engineer. In the F3 project1, enterprise models are designed for modelling goals, activities, concepts and actors and linking them to information system requirements.

AEEF: A knowledge-based framework for apparel enterprise evaluation

Abstract: The practice of subcontracting some or all the operations involved in manufacturing products is prevalent in many industries. The buying organization typically receives bids from several companies offering to carry out these operations. The process of determining whether a manufacturing facility is capable of producing the required quantity of the commodity at the right time and of the specified quality is fairly complex and involved. In this research, a knowledge-based approach has been adopted to identify the major factors that affect the capability of an apparel manufacturing enterprise to perform on a contract. This knowledge-based framework, known as Apparel Enterprise Evaluation Framework (AEEF), has been developed. In this article, we present the acquisition and representation of the knowledge in a structural hierarchical framework. The article also outlines the selection of the inference mechanism and the decomposition of the high-level abstract enterprise capabilities into low-level observable factors.

Enterprise Integration: A Tool’s perspective

Abstract: The advent of sophisticated automation equipment and computer hardware and software is changing the way manufacturing is carried out. To compete in the global marketplace, manufacturing companies must integrate these new technologies into their factories. In addition, they must integrate the planning, control, and data management methodologies needed to make effective use of these technologies. This paper provides an overview of recent approaches to achieving this enterprise integration. It then describes, using simulation as a particular example, a new tool’s perspective of enterprise integration.

Introduction to Information Systems: An End User - Enterprise Perspective, Alternate

Abstract: Part 1 Introduction: introduction to information systems in business. Part 2 Technology: introduction to computer hardware introduction to computer software introduction to database management. Part 3 Networking the enterprise: introduction to business telecommunications the Internet and electronic commerce intranets, extranets and electronic collaboration. Part 4 Applications: information systems for business operations information systems for managerial decision support information systems for strategic advantage. Part 5 Development and management: developing business solutions with information technology enterprise and global management of information technology security and ethical challenges of information technology.

Enterprise Database in a Client-Server Environment

Abstract: From the Publisher: Today, databases are deployed in distributed, heterogeneous hardware and systems software environments. Hardware platforms, systems software, and database management systems are multivendor and multitiered with different architectures including mainframes, personal computers, servers, and workstations. The challenge is to ensure non-redundant, consistent, reliable, integrated, and usable data, processes, and information systems across the enterprise. Here the author presents the techniques necessary to implement an enterprise database - a network of data bases across different computing platforms. He explains how to define the enterprise data model, presents the principles and methodology necessary to define the database project environment, and explains the enterprise database projects that guarantee the success of your database project. He concludes with a summary of the entire database effort.

Enterprise simulation: structure and control loops

Abstract: International competitive pressures and increasingly complex regulations leave little room for decision errors in manufacturing enterprises. The general availability of powerful computers can be the foundation of a new generation of decision support systems based on concepts from general systems and control theory. We report on our attempt to develop an enterprise simulation technology for decision support and long term operations optimisation. We defined the comprehensive quality function as a global cost function for enterprise optimisation. To implement such an optimisation in practice requires an enterprise model. We look at possible ways to identify, automatically, the true hierarchical structure of an enterprise and the control loops in operation. For our modelling we use data from a real enterprise. >

A Process Description for a New Paradigm in Systems Engineering

Abstract: System Engineering usually has a key technical responsibility on systems acquisition projects. The activities normally viewed as systems engineering include Mission Requirements Analysis, Functional Analysis, Requirements Allocation, Synthesis, Optimization and Specification. This is insufficient in practice. There is a lot of confusion over the relationship of systems engineering functions to the life cycle of system development effort. The National Council on Systems Engineering's (NCOSE) national Systems Engineering Process Description Working Group (SEPWG) has been chartered to prepare a description of systems engineering to clarify its roles. The SEPWG has determined that a new way of thinking about systems engineering is needed. This new paradigm includes understanding of two levels to systems engineering; considering all systems engineering customers; and learning and applying systems engineering to projects. This SEPWG Chair Report identifies some of the problems facing systems engineering, addresses the other development participants with whom Systems Engineers must work, and identifies the overall activities and processes in each aspect of systems engineering as used throughout the system life cycle. This report establishes a “sense of the SEPWG” baseline for efforts still underway for the NCOSE interest group members supporting the SEPWG.

The Self-Sustainable Enterprise

Abstract: . ' I . . . . . . , I As human labor is increasingly replaced by human knowledge, the major productive resource and the most potent form of capital, a newly emerging orgonizatioiial mode shifts from the traditional vertical hierarchy of command to horizontal patterns of internal markets of autonomous agents. The organizational mode is characterized by self- management, aritotzomy and self-sustainability, the trio of prerequisites for a successful, self-sustainable enterprise of the 21st century. Employees, managers and community stakeholders are striving to create the self-sustaining organizational milieu by pursuing decisional autonomy, self-management and shared "insider" ownership: they are all tied together through operating a common ~ e s o w c e portfolio. This common resource system should be optimally designed and optimally managed: for teams, for enterprises, groups of enterprises as well as for institutions. In order to do that, ideally, teams of employees and managers should become autonomous, flexible, self-managed and participatory in ownership. Like biological "amoebas", they should adapt to the ever changing circumstances in terms of size, shape, function and interaction. The role of government is similar to that of top corporate manage- ment: it should abandon the central-planning approach of traditional hierarchical command, flatten the pyramids of power, support re- engineering of corporate structures and position itself as a market milieu-producing and market milieu-sustaining agent of considerable importance: assuring fair play, providing infrastructure of communi- cation and optimization services, setting the "rules of the game". It also sets productivity and added-value measures, accounting and evaluations for all participants. Market forces have been proven to induce great ordering and organizing powers if the rules of conduct and fair play are adhered to and enforced and their violations punished. Under such conditions, market forces (and self-rule of democracy) can be extended from the macro-organization of the society to the micro-organization of a company, beyond the company gates. There aren't abstracts in italian language and in french language because they aren't furnished by the Author; so we are sorry. I1 n'y a pas les resumes en englais et franqaise pas evoyes par I'A.; nous Vous prions de nous excuser. Mancano i sommari in lingua italiana e in lingua francese non forniti dall'autore; ci scusiamo vivamente di cio.