Showing papers on "System integration published in 2001"

Applying the design structure matrix to system decomposition and integration problems: a review and new directions

Abstract: Systems engineering of products, processes, and organizations requires tools and techniques for system decomposition and integration. A design structure matrix (DSM) provides a simple, compact, and visual representation of a complex system that supports innovative solutions to decomposition and integration problems. The advantages of DSMs vis-a-vis alternative system representation and analysis techniques have led to their increasing use in a variety of contexts, including product development; project planning, project management, systems engineering, and organization design. This paper reviews two types of DSMs, static and time-based DSMs, and four DSM applications: (1) component-based or architecture DSM, useful for modeling system component relationships and facilitating appropriate architectural decomposition strategies; (2) team-based or organization DSM, beneficial for designing integrated organization structures that account for team interactions; (3) activity-based or schedule DSM, advantageous for modeling the information flow among process activities; and (4) parameter-based (or low-level schedule) DSM, effective for integrating low-level design processes based on physical design parameter relationships. A discussion of each application is accompanied by an industrial example. The review leads to conclusions regarding the benefits of DSMs in practice and barriers to their use. The paper also discusses research directions and new DSM applications, both of which may be approached with a perspective on the four types of DSMs and their relationships.

ERP and application integration: Exploratory survey

Abstract: During the 1990s, companies focused on the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to solve integration problems. However, ERP systems automate core business activities without solving underlying business structures and processes. As a result a number of disparate applications often coexist with ERP systems. To better understand ERP and application integration (AI) problems, this paper proposes to identify, analyse and present the problems of ERP systems, as well as examining new approaches for AI. In doing so, a multi‐choice questionnaire has been designed, and was distributed to ERP specialists over the Internet. Responses show that ERP systems amplified the need for integration, as existing systems have to be incorporated with ERP applications. AI securely incorporates functionality from disparate applications, and has shown to lead to the development of new strategic business solutions for enterprises. The results of the research confirm AI as a new means of system integration that adds value by placing business logic in the applications network, thus creating a more dynamic information systems infrastructure.

Hyper/J: multi-dimensional separation of concerns for Java

Abstract: Hyper/J supports a new approach to constructing, integrating and evolving software, called multi-dimensional separation of concerns. Developers can decompose and organize code and other artifacts according to multiple, arbitrary criteria (concerns) simultaneously—even after the software has been implemented—and synthesize or integrate the pieces into larger-scale components and systems. Hyper/J facilitates several common development and evolution activities non-invasively, including: adaptation and customization, mix-and-match of features, reconciliation and integration of multiple domain models, reuse, product line management, extraction or replacement of existing parts of software, and on-demand remodularization. Hyper/J works with standard Java software, not requiring special compilers or environments. This demonstration will show it in action in a number of software engineering scenarios at different stages of the software lifecycle.

Enterprise Integration

Abstract: From the Publisher: In this groundbreaking book, two acknowledged experts explore the underlying principles of systems integration, and, with the help of numerous case studies show IT managers, systems analysts, and project managers how to apply those principles to solving complex business problems. The authors reveal the linkages between business processes and how they can be supported in enterprise-wide integrated systems. Rather than review specific products and tools, the authors use real-life examples to provides readers with a practical understanding of integrated system architectures and how they function within the framework of an Enterprise Planning System.

Positioning and data integrating method and system thereof

Abstract: An improved positioning and data integrating process and system can substantially solve the problems encountered in system integration for personal hand-held applications, air, land, and water vehicles, wherein an integrated global positioning system/inertial measurement unit, enhanced with optional other devices to derive user position, velocity, attitude, and body acceleration and rotation information, and distributes these data to other onboard systems, for example, in case of aircraft application, flight management system, flight control system, automatic dependent surveillance, cockpit display, enhanced ground proximity warning system, weather radar, and satellite communication system.

Benchmarking the benefits and barriers of application integration

Abstract: During the last three decades, a number of autonomous and, in many cases, heterogeneous systems have been evolved in organisations which cause integration problems and increase the complexity and cost of maintaining these applications. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems were then introduced to overcome integration problems. However, organisations did not abandon their existing systems when adopting an ERP solution, as ERP systems focus on general processes and do not allow much customisation. As a result, ERP systems co‐exist alongside other systems, and therefore amplify the need for integration. Recently, a new generation of software solutions called Application Integration (AI) has been introduced to address integration issues. AI is a new area with limited literature and documentation and explains the integration of basic types of applications and summarises the benefits of and the barriers to the adoption of an AI solution. Uses benchmarking to search and study best practices in the integration area. Explains how AI can be used by organisations to help them increase their productivity and improve their business processes. In addition, proposes a taxonomy of AI benefits and barriers when mapped against custom, packaged and e‐business solutions. The proposed taxonomy will help researchers to better understand, analyse and compare the benefits and barriers of AI and will therefore improve decision making.

ERP problems and application integration issues: an empirical survey

Abstract: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems were introduced into companies to solve various organisational problems, and to provide an integrated infrastructure. Although ERP packages offer advantages to enterprises, they have not achieved many of their anticipated benefits. Autonomous and heterogeneous applications co-exist in companies with ERP systems and integration problem having not been addressed. This paper seeks to make contribution to this area by studying and analysing ERP problems through an Internet based survey. Responses are analysed in detail and a new approach to integration problem; the enterprise application integration (EAI) is examined. EAI is a new class of integration software that leads to the development of strategic business solutions by securely incorporating functionality from disparate applications. EAI could be the solution to ERP's integration problems.

Embedded Systems Design: An Introduction to Processes, Tools, and Techniques

Abstract: Book Outline Chapter 1 Specification Product definition Performance constraints and objectives Cost objectives Schedule Hardware options Operating System options Development tool options Chapter 2 Partition Identifying software and hardware elements Determining optimal partitioning between software and hardware Risk management Modeling system behavior Chapter 3 Design phase Hardware design ASICs Boards FPGA's Custom integrated circuits Processor and memory systems Firmware design for low-level hardware driver code Software design to implement the product functionality Chapter 4 Integration phase Marrying hardware prototypes and software Integration and Debug Chapter 5 Validation phase Testing against compliance standards Measuring against performance objectives Return to development phase to correct any performance shortcomings Testing mission critical software for compliance to safety standards Chapter 6 Release Revision control for design software and schematics Final product testing Abuse Environmental RFI compliance Black-box White box Chapter 7 Maintenance and upgrades Product Release Customer Feedback Periodic enhancements or repairs Different design tearns for product support

A methodology for the design of application specific instruction set processors (ASIP) using the machine description language LISA

Abstract: The development of application specific instruction set processors (ASIP) is currently the exclusive domain of the semiconductor houses and core vendors. This is due to the fact that building such an architecture is a difficult task that requires expertise knowledge in different domains: application software development tools, processor hardware implementation, and system integration and verification. This paper presents a retargetable framework for ASIP design which is based on machine descriptions in the LISA language. From that, software development tools can be automatically generated including HLL C-compiler, assembler, linker, simulator and debugger frontend. Moreover, synthesizable HDL code can be derived which can then be processed by standard synthesis tools. Implementation results for a low-power ASIP for DVB-T acquisition and tracking algorithms designed with the presented methodology will be given.

Business Systems Integration

Abstract: An Oracle based system, which provides reporting and data warehouse functions is briefly described. The system is modifiable.

Content integration for e-business

Abstract: We define the problem of content integration for E-Business, and show how it differs in fundamental ways from traditional issues surrounding data integration, application integration, data warehousing and OLTP. Content integration includes catalog integration as a special case, but encompasses a broader set of applications and challenges. We explore the characteristics of content integration and required services for any solution. In addition, we explore architectural alternatives and discuss the use of XML in this arena.

Business engagement method

Abstract: A system for providing integrated system solutions includes a set of process descriptions; a set of work product descriptions; and engagement models collecting the process descriptions and work product descriptions into a models for implementing typical projects addressing marketplace requirements. A systems integration method includes the steps of defining an engagement model which will be used to address a market place requirement; utilizing the engagement model to create an industry-wide engagement template. Specific client requirements within the industry are then used by an implementation team to generate a client engagement template. The team then measures, monitors, and controls the implementation based on the client engagement template.

Single-package integration of RF blocks for a 5 GHz WLAN application

Abstract: Transceivers for future digital telecommunications applications (third generation cellular, wireless LAN) need to be portable (compact), battery-powered and wireless. Today's single-chip solutions for RF front-ends do not yield complete system integration. For example, they typically still need external components for impedance matching, for antenna switches, for power amplifiers and for RF bandpass filters (BPFs). Furthermore, problems of substrate coupling (either manifesting as analog crosstalk or as noise coupling from the digital part to the analog part on mixed-signal chip) become more important with increasing integration. A system-in-a-package (SiP) approach can address these problems. High quality components can be integrated in the package, avoiding lower quality on-chip passives or circumventing expensive chip technology adaptations. Virtually all external components can be integrated, as shown in this paper for the case of the bandpass filters and the impedance matching. Even the antenna is a candidate for integration in the package. Further, a clever chip partitioning can reduce the substrate coupling problem. Partitioning also allows using the best IC-technoiogy for each component. This paper reports on a fully integrated single-package RF prototype module for a 5 GHz WLAN receiver front-end, which is intended to demonstrate the concept of SiP integration. The approach, that is illustrated here with prototype RF blocks for a 5 GHz WLAN application, is implemented with a thin film multichip module (MCM-D) interconnect technology. This technology also allows the integration of high quality passive components. With these passives, low-loss filters can be implemented. The use of passives, filters and off-the-shelf, active, bare die components opens the way to successful system integration.

History and trends in clinical information systems in the United States.

Abstract: Purpose: To provide a synopsis of issues about clinical information systems for nurses not schooled in nursing informatics. Organizing construct: The past, present, and future of clinical computing, including major factors resulting in the early hospital information systems (HIS) and decision support systems (DSS) in the United States, current advances and issues in managing clinical information, and future trends and issues. Methods: Literature review and analysis. Findings and Conclusions: The first HIS and DSS were used in the late 1960s and were focused on applications for acute care. The change from fee-for-service to managed care required a change in the design of clinical information systems toward more patient-centered systems that span the care continuum, such as the computer-based patient record (CPR). Current difficulties with CPR systems include lack of systems integration, data standardization, and implementation. Increased advances in information and technology integration and increased use of the Internet for health information will shape the future of clinical information systems.

Decision service method and system

Abstract: A real time decisioning service comprising a set of powerful tools accessible in ASP mode allowing an end user to create, configure, test, and deploy decision engines to automate real time decisions, comprising both expert and custom analytic models used within decision strategies, and comprising systems integration and strategy consulting is provided. An exemplary decision system is described.

Launch Vehicle Design Process: Characterization, Technical Integration, and Lessons Learned

Abstract: Engineering design is a challenging activity for any product. Since launch vehicles are highly complex and interconnected and have extreme energy densities, their design represents a challenge of the highest order. The purpose of this document is to delineate and clarify the design process associated with the launch vehicle for space flight transportation. The goal is to define and characterize a baseline for the space transportation design process. This baseline can be used as a basis for improving effectiveness and efficiency of the design process. The baseline characterization is achieved via compartmentalization and technical integration of subsystems, design functions, and discipline functions. First, a global design process overview is provided in order to show responsibility, interactions, and connectivity of overall aspects of the design process. Then design essentials are delineated in order to emphasize necessary features of the design process that are sometimes overlooked. Finally the design process characterization is presented. This is accomplished by considering project technical framework, technical integration, process description (technical integration model, subsystem tree, design/discipline planes, decision gates, and tasks), and the design sequence. Also included in the document are a snapshot relating to process improvements, illustrations of the process, a survey of recommendations from experienced practitioners in aerospace, lessons learned, references, and a bibliography.

Intelligent Machine Tools in a Distributed Network Manufacturing Mode Environment

Abstract: Manufacturing enterprises are facing serious challenges and pressures from the growing globalisation of the economy and the market as well as from the rapid developments of science and technology. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially, have to reform their traditional manufacturing methods by using advanced technologies, particularly by applying information technology (IT) to succeed in the increasingly intense competition for markets. Thus, it is of great importance for them to accept the concept of agile manufacturing. For this purpose, the concept of distributed network manufacturing mode (DNMM) is outlined in this paper. In DNMM, research is concentrated on enhancing the intelligence of conventional numerical control (NC) machine tools and their ability to communicate and coordinate with the outside world. The experimental results of the distributed network manufacturing prototype system (DNMPS) show that the concept of the DNMM is correct and feasible. Moreover, the intelligent CNC system developed enhances the ability of the conventional NC milling machine to improve machining efficiency and quality, and protect the cutting tool. The capability for communicating and collaborating are improved for system integration, resource-sharing and cooperation.

A Multi-Perspective Framework for Method Integration

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Intranet Meets Hospital Information Systems: The Solution to the Integration Problem?

Abstract: Based on the results of an extensive market analysis and technology assessment, this paper summarizes the state of the art in web technology and compares it with the needs of integration in hospital information systems. Web technology and intranet have evolved to a core technology for distributed computing and distributed information systems. The advantage of platform independent distribution of information has led to euphoric visions of future integrated systems. However, true integration takes more than transparent access to heterogeneous information sources. To overcome the essential problems related to integration of autonomous systems it is important to find a common ontological basis for future component based systems.

Development of modular electrical systems

Abstract: Modular systems provide the ability to achieve product variety through the combination and standardization of components. A methodology that combines system modeling, integration analysis, and optimization techniques for development of modular systems is presented. The approach optimizes integration and interactions of system elements and creates functional and physical modules for the electrical system. The Hatley/Pirbhai methodology (1987) is used for modeling functional requirements of a system. The model defines system interfaces (interactions) to support its functions. Once the interactions among functions are identified, an incidence matrix of the interfaces is developed. A clustering algorithm is developed to identify clusters in the incidence matrix, group the functions, and create modules. A Hatley/Pirbhai architecture model is developed to represent modular system design. A detailed discussion on the importance of system modeling in design of modular systems and on the constraints that limit development of modular vehicle systems is also presented. The approach presented is systematic and can be used to support product development and decision-making in engineering design.

Semantic B2B integration

Abstract: The tutorial “Semantic B2B Integration” will give an introduction to the field of business-to-business (B2B) integration from a technical viewpoint with the focus on semantic integration aspects. The set of B2B integration concepts is introduced as well as their implementation in form of a technical semantic B2B integration architecture. A mix of examples is taken illustrating the problems that need to be solved in semantic B2B integration projects. The tutorial enables the audience to identify semantic B2B integration problems as well as to determine the benefits and deficiencies of various technical integration architecture approaches or B2B integration technologies.

Integration of voice messaging and data systems

Abstract: An enterprise system includes multiple disparate information systems, such as voice and data systems. An integration server provides for the interaction of information between these systems through the use of enterprise messages and processing rules. Enterprise messages allow for the association of information from disparate information systems, while the processing rules allow for automated interaction between users and information in the disparate information systems.

An ISO 9001:2000 Compliant Quality Management System for Data Integration in Data Warehouse Systems

Abstract: In modern information systems, the topic of data quality becomes more and more important due to increasing analysis demands. This holds especially for data warehouse systems and similar systems that provide data integrated from heterogeneous sources. Although a large variety of extraction-transformation-loading tools supporting data integration is available, there is still no process model defining which integration steps should be done in which order to best fulfil the users’ needs. Our research project CLIQ is supposed to close this gap. In CLIQ, the integration process is being viewed as a kind of production process. This view enables us to apply concepts of quality management known from the manufacturing/service domain. More precisely, we developed a quality management system for data integration that meets the requirements of the recent ISO 9001:2000 standard. This paper presents our approach and describes its added value compared to traditional approaches to data integration.

A new approach to software integration frameworks for multi-physics simulation codes

Abstract: Existing software integration frameworks typically require large manual rewrites of existing codes, or specific tailoring of codes written to be used in the framework. The result is usually a special-purpose code which is not usable outside of the framework. In this paper, we propose an alternative to that model — a framework that requires little hand-modification of the programs which use it. Our proposed framework is compiler-based, mesh-aware, numerics-aware, and physics-aware. Descriptions of the codes and the system make it possible to semi-automatically generate interfacing code, while the internal parallelization, communication and numerical solution methods are left intact. We report on some preliminary experiments with an automatic load balancing framework that demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.

K-BACEE: knowledge-based automated component ensemble evaluation

Abstract: Component reuse suffers from the inability of system integrators to effectively identify ensembles of compatible software components that can be easily integrated into a system. To address this problem, we developed a process for identifying component ensembles that satisfy a system requirements specification, and for ranking these ensembles based on a knowledge base of system integration rules. We also built a prototype system that automates this process.

Using a Metadata Software Layer in Information Systems Integration

Abstract: A Federated Information System requires that multiple (often heterogenous) information systems are integrated to an extent that they can share data. This shared data often takes the form of a federated schema, which is a global view of data taken from distributed sources. One of the issues faced in the engineering of a federated schema is the continuous need to extract metadata from cooperating systems. Where cooperating systems employ an object-oriented common model to interact with each other, this requirement can become a problem due to the type and complexity of metadata queries. In this research, we specified and implemented a metadata software layer in the form of a high-level query interface for the ODMG schema repository, in order to simplify the task of integration system engineers. Two clears benefits have emerged: the reduced complexity of metadata queries during system integration (and federated schema construction) and a reduced learning curve for programmers who need to use the ODMG schema repository.