Showing papers on "Enterprise systems engineering published in 2002"

Multi-perspective enterprise modeling (MEMO) conceptual framework and modeling languages

Abstract: For many companies, the strategic as well as the organizational fit of their information systems is a pivotal factor for staying competitive. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for integrating business processes and informations systems with those of customers and suppliers. The resulting need for organizational changes and the introduction of corresponding information systems is a challenging task. The complexity of the task requires a separation of concerns. At the same time it causes language barriers between various stakeholders, especially between business people and information technology professionals. Enterprise models provide various abstractions that help with the design of corporate information systems which are in line with a company's organization and its long term strategy. They also promise to provide a common conceptual foundation to foster the communication between people with different professional backgrounds. In this paper we introduce a model for enterprise modelling that is based on an extendable set of special purpose modeling languages, e.g. for describing corporate strategies, business processes, resources or information. The visual languages provide intuitive abstractions for various observers. The languages are defined in metamodels which in turn are specified through a common meta-metamodel. Similar to a specialized technical language, they provide concepts that help with structuring and analyzing a domain according to specific objectives. Since the languages are specified in a semi formal way, the models allow for the generation of software prototypes. The languages share common concepts which allow for a tight integration of the various parts of an enterprise model. In addition to offering specialized modeling languages, the modeling method also includes examples, case studies and reference models - to promote the re-use of concepts and artefacts. The use of the method is illustrated by an example, where two different partial models are being integrated.

Enterprise services

Abstract: Examining the emerging field of Web Services and how it is integrated into existing enterprise infrastructures.

UEML: Towards a unified enterprise modelling language

Abstract: The paper presents the rationale and principles of a unified language devoted to the area of Enterprise Modelling. The language, named UEML, for Unified Enterprise Modelling Language, is not intended to replace existing languages but is intended to provide a uniform interface to enterprise modelling tools and a neutral format for exchange of enterprise models. It therefore builds on previous languages and provides constructs to cover function/process, information, resource and organization/decision aspects of business entities. It is also aligned with results of ODP, CEN TC 310, ISO TC 184 and IFAC-IFIP GERAM efforts in the area of enterprise modelling and engineering.

An Organization Ontology for Enterprise Modelling

Abstract: The paper presents our exploration into an organization ontology for the TOVE enterprise model. Its primary focus has been in linking structure and behavior through the concept of empowerment. Empowerment is the right of an organization agent to perform status changing actions. This linkage is critical to the unification of enterprise models and their executability.

The finding of thorns: user participation in enterprise system implementation

Abstract: This paper presents a study of a major, multinational program of Enterprise Systems (ES) implementation. The case study subject is a hi-tech manufacturer. The study focuses on the issue of user participation. The investigation inquires into the fact that the implementation method espoused user participation even though the outcome of the project was already known. (Regardless of user input, the ES would be deployed). The paper reports that user participation was deployed to serve the interests of the project manager in reporting local circumstances as the implementation project moved across different sites. The framework for this inquiry was Multiview2, the latest generation of the Multiview information systems (IS) method. The structure of Multiview2 was used as a diagnostic device in order to inquire into the characteristics of the ES method used at the case study sites.

Enterprise Integration: An Architecture for Enterprise Application and Systems Integration

Abstract: From the Publisher: Businesses are being challenged to exploit new technologies while reducing costs, improving quality, and responding faster to opportunities. Electronic commerce, global markets, and Internet-speed business transactions demand fundamental changes. Business-to-business communications, enterprise portals, and application components are only some of the capabilities businesses must develop in order to compete. Fred Cummins provides guidelines for implementing an enterprise integration architecture that will enable you to capitalize on current and future technologies. This comprehensive book begins by assessing the technology landscape, defining enterprise integration objectives, and providing a general enterprise integration architecture. The author then dives into the keytechnologies for implementing this architecture, including: Messaging for EAI and communication between major business systems Component-based applications based on EJB and CORBA for rapid development and flexibility Using Extensible Markup Language (XML) for document exchange and electronic signatures Managing workflow for process automation and streamlining Web access and Web services for electronic commerce and supply-chain integration Security and public key infrastructure (PKI) to support single sign-on, encryption, and protection from hackers Author Biography: FRED A. CUMMINS is an enterprise Consultant with EDS, chair of the Common Enterprise Models Domain Task Force for the OMG, and has over thirty years of experience in management consulting and information systems development. He also contributed to the UML Profile for Enterprise Distributed Object Computing specification.

Enterprise Resource Planning

Abstract: (2002). Enterprise Resource Planning. Journal of Management Information Systems: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 11-15.

Information integration: A new generation of information technology

Abstract: The explosion of the Internet and e-business in recent years has caused a secondary explosion in the amounts and types of information available to enterprise applications. Industry analysts predict that more data will be generated in the next three years than in all of recorded history. Because the adoption of Internet-based business transaction models has significantly outpaced the development of tools and technologies to deal with the information explosion, many businesses find their systems breaking under the sheer volume and diversity of data being directed at them. The challenge facing businesses today is information integration. Enterprise applications must interact with databases, application servers, content management systems, data warehouses, workflow systems, search engines, message queues, Web crawlers, mining and analysis packages, and other enterprise integration applications. They must use a variety of programming interfaces and understand a variety of languages and formats. They must extract and combine data in multiple formats generated by multiple delivery mechanisms. Clearly, the boundaries that have traditionally existed between database management systems, content management systems, midtier caches, data warehouses, and other data management systems are blurring, and there is a great need for a platform that provides a unified view of all of these services and the data they deliver.

Special Section: Enterprise Resource Planning.

Abstract: Arik Ragowsky is an Associate Professor of Information Systems in the Department of Information Systems and Manufacturing and the Director of the Manufacturing Information Systems Center at Wayne State University. He obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. in Information Systems from Tel Aviv University. His experience includes working as a CIO at a manufacturing company and as a consultant for manufacturing organizations with their information systems (ERP systems). Dr. Ragowsky has published in such journals as Journal of Management Information Systems, International Journal of Industrial Engineering, International Journal ofCIM, Journal of Systems Management, Information & Management, Communications of the ACM, and Information Technology and Management. His current research interests are in the value of information systems, manufacturing information systems, ERP, and strategic information systems.

Building enterprise portals: principles to practice

Abstract: Primary objective of this paper is to offer an exclusive view of constructing and deploying enterprise portals by using a component-based development approach. As the dot-com hype dies down, most companies are forced to revisit their enterprisewide Web integration strategies. This paper offers a pragmatic roadmap that these companies may follow in their upcoming enterprise portal deployment initiatives. The academic world plays a significant role in the advances of the portal technology. In this paper, we address the challenges faced in building enterprise portals as a new principle of software engineering. We also explain how the academia will play a significant role in meeting most of these challenges.

Distributed engineering change management for allied concurrent engineering

Abstract: Effectively managing engineering change is a critical task in engineering management Meanwhile, in allied concurrent engineering, the importance and difficulty of engineering change management is increased This study presents a distributed engineering change management approach for the practice of allied concurrent engineering (ACE) An ACE-based engineering change management methodology was developed under the concepts of enterprise integration to manage the processes, systems and information of engineering change in an integrated fashion both within an individual enterprise and the enterprise alliance The methodology includes a life cycle model for engineering change management, a hierarchical and distributed management framework, and a reference model for engineering change management Based on this methodology, an ACE-based engineering change management system is developed using Unified Modelling Language (UML) modelling techniques In additon to the methodology and the system for engineering chang

An approach to building model driven enterprise systems in Nebras Enterprise Framework

Abstract: Using platform independent models (PIMs) in integrating enterprise systems is much more concerned nowadays. In this demonstration we are going to present an approach to build and integrate enterprise systems which has many commonalities with OMG MDA [1] concepts. There are two major integrity points of view in this approach. First, integrity from business process point of view and the second, integrity from object model point of view. We are going to present how these two are achieved in Nebras Enterprise Framework.

A hierarchical policy specification language, and enforcement mechanism, for governing digital enterprises

Abstract: This paper is part of a research program based on the thesis that the only reliable way for ensuring that a heterogeneous distributed community of software modules and people conforms to a given policy is for this policy to be enforced. We have devised a mechanism called law-governed interaction (LGI) for this purpose. LGI can be used to specify a wide range of policies to govern the interactions among the members of large and heterogeneous communities of agents dispersed throughout a distributed enterprise, and to enforce such policies in a decentralized and efficient manner. What concerns us in this paper is the fact that a typical enterprise is bound to be governed by a multitude of policies. Stich policies are likely to be interrelated in complex ways, forming an ensemble of policies that is to govern the enterprise as a whole. As a step toward organizing such an ensemble of policies, we introduce a hierarchical inter-policy relation called a superior/subordinate relation. This relation is intended to serve two distinct but related purposes: first, it helps to organize and classify a set of enterprise policies; second, it helps regulate the long-term evolution of the various policies that govern an enterprise. For this purpose, each policy in the hierarchy should circumscribe the authority and the structure of those policies that are subordinate to it, in some way analogous to the manner in which a constitution in American jurisprudence constrains the laws which are subordinate to it. Broadly speaking, the hierarchical structure of the ensemble of policies that govern a given enterprise should reflect the hierarchical structure of the enterprise itself.

Enterprise integration: creating competitive capabilities

Abstract: For manufacturing firms, the concept of integration is hardly novel. The Total Quality, JIT, and supply chain management movements required improved internal and external coordination. While these movements centred on the manufacturing function, research suggests that integration of several functions at different organisational levels achieve above average financial and performance results. However, studies show enterprise integration is associated with many problems; at the root of these is a fundamental assumption: that all enterprise integration initiatives are equally important. Challenges this assumption. Argues that enterprise initiatives differ by their purpose; and proposes a framework for typifying enterprise integration initiatives that is based on the capabilities developed for the organisation. Four types of enterprise initiatives are identified. Illustrates each type with organisational examples. Discusses the managerial implications.

Enterprise link for a software database

Abstract: An enterprise link for a software database is coupled to existing enterprise systems within an organization and also to an active data cache. The enterprise link contains an active designer whereby a user is able to create one or more data flow definitions on how to operate on data stored in the enterprise systems as the data in those systems changes. The transformed data is transmitted to a data flow service in the enterprise link in real-time where it is made available to end-users in the active data cache. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Modelling networked enterprises

Abstract: The appearance of networked enterprises, in which Internet-enabled organisations work together for mutual benefit, gives rise to a change in the nature of enterprise computing. Enterprise computing today has to deal with application integration across company boundaries and support inter-organisational business processes, collaborations and transactions. It has always been important first to understand the business environment in which enterprise systems are supposed to function before embarking upon their design. Due to the inter-organisational nature of networked enterprises and the intimate relation between their business and their systems, this need is even more apparent. We analyse the requirements that networked enterprise computing places on enterprise modelling techniques, and introduce a new language for modelling networked enterprises. We also argue that the UML, while highly successful as a software modelling technique, lacks some essential ingredients for networked enterprise modelling.

The strategic use of computerised information systems by a micro enterprise

Abstract: This paper is a case study of the use of information systems (IS) by a micro enterprise. In particular, it attempts to answer the question: can micro enterprises use IS strategically? It examines the distinguishing characteristics of micro enterprises and the use of IS in micro enterprises. It gives a brief history and description of the micro enterprise in question (Lanzarote First) and then analyses the use of IS from two angles: functionality and benefits. Importantly, the strategic benefits of the various IS are differentiated from other efficiency and effectiveness benefits. The case also tests the use of an IS planning methodology. The case illustrates that a micro enterprise can use IS strategically and, because of the absence of certain factors which are present in large organisations, the impact of IS may be even greater.

Enterprise content management: an overview

Abstract: As Web sites move from simple presentation mediums to dynamic content providers, content issues are moving to the forefront of many enterprise Web site owners. The author gives an overview of enterprise content management, what it means, how to implement it and how to measure the benefits. The basic concept is to get organized and find a logical, consistent and easy way to place content on the Web. Employees will use an enterprise Intranet if it has timely material that is well organized and searchable. The best way to ensure that your Web content is timely is to implement a distributed authorship program, where the original content creators place the material on the Web and keep it updated. In order to ensure a well-organized site, you must start with an information model that is based on research of your enterprise and publish a site policy. To ensure the Web site is searchable, all content must be tagged and held in a consistent manner. These steps will produce a site with a high return on investment (ROI) that will become a valuable asset of the enterprise.

Data processing system and method for analysis of financial and non-financial value creation and value realization performance of a business enterprise

Abstract: The invention affords a data processing system and method for assessing the performance of a business enterprise in creating and realizing value and for generating and presenting real-time continuous outcome displays of value realization performance. A data processing system and method uses continuously-updated event-based information to produce traditional accounting reports and financial statements in addition to measuring and reporting on value creation performance of a business enterprise. The invention also affords a data processing system and method that continuously measures and continuously reports on value creation and value realization in a business enterprise derived from event-based analysis, and supports selection by a stakeholder-user of real-time outcome displays in multiple formats. The system further provides reports (outcome displays) on value creation performance of the enterprise tailored for each of the key stakeholder groups of the enterprise.