An Object Oriented Method for Integrated Enterprise Modeling as a Basis for Enterprise Coordination

Today the modelling of an enterprise is enabled by various methods which are used for different purposes and views upon the enterprise. Using an object-oriented approach the Integrated Enterprise Modelling (IEM) concept will integrate different modelling views in one consistent manufacturing enterprise model and will provide a modelling base for construction of an enterprise model from a user's point of view. It will lead the user from a general CIM architecture given by predefined model structures to a particular model and architecture of the system support in his own manufacturing enterprise, which are the essential tasks towards a enterprise wide and integrative usage of information technology.

Therefore the basic constructs like object class structure and a related process description method via the generic activity model will be presented. The kernel and the main views of a manufacturing enterprise model will be derived. An example using the IEM concept for the specific view of CIM planning and introduction will clarify the main features of the concept. A comparison with the CIM-OSA-Project will be done.