Cheng Hsu

Information resources management in heterogeneous, distributed environments: A metadatabase approach

The core structure of a metadatabase system for information integration in heterogeneous and distributed environments, the global information resources dictionary (GIRD) model for unified metadata representation and management (both data and knowledge), is discussed. Overviews of metadatabase systems and the two-stage entity relationship (TSER) representation method are presented. To illustrate some major properties of the metadatabase model, and to show how the GIRD elements fit together to deliver these properties, manufacturing information management examples are given. The GIRD and the information resources dictionary system (IRDS) standard are compared. >

Business on the Web: strategies and economics

Abstract The World Wide Web has literally burst upon the businesses in recent times. With the Web doubling in size every 53 days or so, the growth is biological. With a technology as recent and fast proliferating as this one, paradigms often lag behind action, and the hype. Still, paradigms alone provide an objective coasting course through turbulent waters. Two paradigms which are thought to be helpful in formulating a strategy for doing business on the Internet are the value chain analysis and transaction cost economics. Value chain analysis helps businesses identify specific areas where the Internet can add value and the transaction cost analysis provides a basis for why value is added as transactions move across boundaries in value chains. In this paper we employ these twin analyses and propose a framework for strategic planning to develop business opportunities in the new arena of the Internet. This is expected to provide a basis for further analysis of Web-based business. Some examples from the real world help put this twin analysis in perspective.

Information modeling for computerized manufacturing

An information modeling and design approach using a metadatabase framework and a two-stage entity-relationship (TSER) methodology to address the system integration problem is presented. The metadatabase framework is a simplification design entailing a federated system architecture, an integrated information model, and a knowledge-based control methodology. The TSER methodology, used for the information model, features both a semantic modeling construct encompassing the US Air Forces IDEF approach and an operational modeling construct for consolidating data structures across the manufacturing facility. Preliminary results of a pilot study, including both modeling and software system development, are included to illustrate the theoretical work. >

An industrial network flow information integration model for supply chain management and intelligent transportation

Industrial network flow involves three domains: infrastructure, individual subjects of movement, and planning and control of the movement. Examples include supply chain and intelligent transportation. These traditionally isolated domains can be digitally connected to enhance their performance. Digitization of the infrastructure provides real-time data to facilitate its operation, while digitally connecting the subjects to the infrastructure allows for tailored services and support to particular subjects. Connection of both to the enterprise information systems enables adaptive control for the application (e.g. logistics) at a global optimization level. Previous results in the field cover separate aspects of planning/routing, real-time monitoring, and trip support. Toward this end, a new highway-based subject-infrastructure-enterprise (SIE) information integration model using digital connection is proposed to the field of industrial network flow control for application to intelligent transportation and supply chain management. The SIE model supports industrial network flow control in a way comparable to an adaptive control panel administering an automated material handling system. In this metaphor, the global infrastructure becomes ‘controllable’ similar to factory conveyors and automated guided vehicles. This paper presents a conceptual design substantiated with information requirements analysis. An empirical experiment at locations in New York State shows the technical feasibility of the digital connection envisioned.

The model-assisted global query system for multiple databases in distributed enterprises

Todays enterprises typically employ multiple information systems, which are independently developed, locally administered, and different in logical or physical designs. Therefore, a fundamental challenge in enterprise information management is the sharing of information for enterprise users across organizational boundaries; this requires a global query system capable of providing on-line intelligent assistance to users. Conventional technologies, such as schema-based query languages and hard-coded schema integration, are not sufficient to solve this problem. This article develops a new approach, a “model-assisted global query system,” that utilizes an on-line repository of enterprise metadata—the Metadatabase—to facilitate global query formulation and processing with certain desirable properties such as adaptiveness and open-systems architecture. A definitional model characterizing the various classes and roles of the required metadata as knowledge for the system is presented. The significance of possessing this knowledge (via a Metadatabase) toward improving the global query capabilities available previously is analyzed. On this basis, a direct method using model traversal and a query language using global model constructs are developed along with other new methods required for this approach. It is then tested through a prototype system in a computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) setting.

Integration of data and knowledge in manufacturing enterprises: A conceptual framework

Abstract This paper formulates a fundamental approach to the information integration of manufacturing enterprises. The approach entails the use of an intelligent metadatabase to create an information environment established through ‘feature’ primitives for the enterprise as a whole. The functional interrelationships, information transformations, and knowledge representation are therefore designed directly into the schema of the database system. It is this concept that allows the database environment of a computerized manufacturing system to provide the true integration of manufacturing and the promised gains in productivity. This concept of metadatabase differs fundamentally from both the strategies of ‘interfacing’ and ‘super database management system’ prevailing in the field of manufacturing automation today.

Metadatabase Modeling for Enterprise Information Integration

An underpinning to the notion of computer-integrated enterprises is information integration; that is, the integration of information resources and decision logic across the enterprise to achiete functional synergies. This concept requires certain basic extensions to two previously separate paradigms: information modeling and metadata management. In particular, both paradigms mus consider not only data resources but also contextual knowledge in a unified way; furthermore, they have to converge as a single, integrated method rather than belonging to two distinct stages of a life cycle. Toward this end, a modeling system is developed based on the two-stage entity relationship (TSER) approach [3, 4, 5, 7] and the metadatabase method [5, 6, 8].This paper presents the metadatabase goals and the metadata modeling system, focusing on its basic concepts, design, and current implementation. In addition, the prototype environmental of the metadatabase that this system creates is illustrated through some examples taken from a computer-integrated manufacturing case.

Enterprise Collaboration: On-Demand Information Exchange Using Enterprise Databases, Wireless Sensor Networks, and RFID Systems

New extended enterprise models such as supply chain integration and demand chain management require a new method of on-demand information exchange that extends the traditional results of a global database query. The new requirements stem from, first, the fact that the information exchange involves large numbers of enterprise databases that belong to a large number of independent organizations, and second, these databases are increasingly overlapping with real-time data sources such as wireless sensor networks and radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems. One example is the industrial push to install RFID- augmented systems to integrate enterprise information along the life cycle of a product. The new effort demands openness and scalability, and leads to a new paradigm of collaboration using all these data sources. The collaboration requires a metadata technology (for reconciling different data semantics) that works on thin computing environments (e.g., emerging sensor nodes and RFID chips) as well as on traditional databases. It also needs a new extended global query model that supports participants to offer/publish information as they see fit, not just request/subscribe what they want. This paper develops new results toward meeting these requirements.

Engineering service products: the case of mass-customising service agreements for heavy equipment industry

Service agreements are one of a kind, and commit the service providers to certain configuration, execution and delivery of their processes and resources over a long time. To improve productivity, the providers need a way to mass-customise the service they produce while the customers need to be able to evaluate and benchmark the service they obtain. The field lacks sufficient results to allow either party to construct the agreements with the efficiency and effectiveness they need. The mass customisation model of manufacturing can help solve the problem; however, to achieve this goal, new and comprehensive understanding of service production is required. Therefore, a reference model of service agreement engineering to help mass-customise and evaluate service agreements is developed for, first, manufacturing-based and, then, nonmanufacturing- based products. The reference model provides the static knowledge on the structuring of service processes and resources and the dynamic assessment of their costs and risks, useful for both providers and customers. The observer–participant method is used to develop and test the model with the Power Systems Division, Aircraft Engines Division and Transportation Systems Division of General Electric Corporation. Ongoing work generalises it for IT outsourcing and other non-manufacturing-based service agreements. The results hold promise for generalisation into other service products, such as facilitating the application service providers of ebusiness to host many different, custom processes provided to its clientele on a common base of resources.

Service Science: Design for Scaling and Transformation

Service science is an emerging field, but many still consider it lacking in substance. This book aims to change the situation by addressing the following questions: What is the big story about service? What are the main research problems in service? What does “a connected world” mean? Does service require a different kind of design science? What will be the next waves of the Web? How to support universal value co-creation? How to unite Cyberspace wilt physical space? Is it feasible to connect information resources everywhere? To answer these questions, the book presents and substantiates a digital connections scaling (DCS) model, complete with a population-oriented design paradigm and a new class of microeconomic production functions to explain the paths of transformation into the future - one of the most original results today. Next, the book analyzes new business designs on the Web and characterizes a service-led revolution for the Knowledge Economy. Thirdly, it develops systems planning and design methods to help implement the DCS model at the level of Information and Database Systems, Business Strategy, and Digitization Engineering, thereby enhancing these fields. Finally, certain intriguing new applications, specially “smart highways” and information supply chains, are discussed.