Johan Vesterager

Reference Models for Virtual Enterprises

This paper analyses different types of Reference Models (RMs) applicable to support the set up and (re)configuration of virtual enterprises (VEs). RMs are models capturing concepts common to VEs aiming to convert the task of setting up of VE towards a configuration task, and hence reduce the time needed for VE creation. The RMs are analysed through a mapping onto the Virtual Enterprise Reference Architecture (VERA) created in the IMS GLOBEMEN project based upon GERAM.

Use of GERAM as Basis for a Virtual Enterprise Framework Model

In the IMS-project Globeman21, the enterprise reference architecture GERAM was used as basis for creation of a virtual enterprise framework model. The model was used to map different industrial pilot projects, to classify virtual enterprise concepts, and as underlying structure for a virtual enterprise management methodology. The paper gives a survey of the use of GERAM and the results obtained.

Fast Tracking ICT Infrastructure Requirements and Design, Based on Enterprise Reference Architecture and Matching Reference Models

The Globemen Consortium has developed the virtual enterprise reference architecture and methodology (VERAM), based on GERAM and developed reference models for virtual enterprise management and joint mission delivery. The planned virtual enterprise capability includes the areas of sales and marketing, global engineering, and customer relationship management. The reference models are the basis for the development of ICT infrastructure requirements. These in turn can be used for ICT infrastructure specification (sometimes referred to as ‘ICT architecture’).Part of the ICT architecture is industry-wide, part of it is industry-specific and a part is specific to the domains of the joint activity that characterises the given Virtual Enterprise Network at hand. The article advocates a step by step approach to building virtual enterprise capability.

An approach to CIM system development whereby manufacturing people can design and build their own CIM systems

Abstract In this paper we describe results that show how manufacturing people with little or no prior computer experience can design and build their own CIM systems with little or no computer programming. The approach is a means to overcome a potential problem in the unavailability of computer professionals needed to implement systems using a traditional approach. Our new approach uses system analysis and design technology initially developed by the US Air Force ICAM program that was enhanced and updated to allow a direct mapping from the system definition to a working implementation with little or no computer programming. The paper first discusses the need for manufacturing personnel to build their own systems, followed by a description of the analysis and design technology. It then describes eight industrial projects in six companies that successfully used the approach

Concurrent Engineering and product models in seafood companies

Concurrent Engineering (CE) can provide an improved approach to product development for extending the lines of seafood products. Information technology (IT) support tools based on product models can provide an integrated and simultaneous approach for specifying new recipes. The seafood industry can benefit from the CE approach which can support product developers to provide concurrent specifications for raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and production methods. The approach involves the use of product models from which line extensions are more easily generated than by use of customary stepwise techniques. It is anticipated that other food industries can also benefit from the more simultaneous development approach.

Simulation uses in CIM development

Abstract This paper describes the use of simulation for computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) development from analysing the technical tasks within the Danish CIM/GEMS project. Through examining the CIM/GEMS technical tasks we can describe where and how simulation is used in all phases of system development for computer-integrated manufacturing.

DEVELOPING THE BUSINESS MODEL - A METHODOLOGY FOR VIRTUAL ENTERPRISES

Enterprises co-operate with other enterprises in all phases of product life cycle to achieve cost reduction, increase their operational flexibility, and allow them to focus on core competencies. The preferred method for co-operation can be anything from long term alliances between partners in fixed supply chains — to a goal oriented, project focused co-operation as it is usually done in virtual enterprises (VEs).

Document-driven management of knowledge and technology transfer: Denmark's CIM/GEMS project in computer-integrated manufacturing. II

The documentation effort undertaken by the Danish CIM/GEMS (computer-integrated manufacturing: general methods for specific solutions) project to drive, direct, and support its CIM-technology development and transfer activities is described. The project recognized that in the phases of CIM development-from planning through maintenance-the primary deliverable is not the CIM system itself, but the documentation used to describe, specify, justify, and support its development and use. As a result, the project organized itself so that it would transfer to its industry participants the information needed to build CIM systems, and not CIM technology alone. Because this information best resides in well-written and complete documentation, the CIM/GEMS project adopted a management-by-document approach, treating documentation activities as part of system development and assigning professional personnel to the task. As an archive of CIM-system development, the documents captured the projects in-progress work and the knowledge of developers who performed that work. As a deliverable, the documents were the principal means for carrying CIM knowledge and experience off-site. >

Development of a product model for specifying new lines of seafood products

Abstract New product development in the seafood industries is increasingly based on extension of product lines. These must be tailored to the retailer and customer needs and be available with short lead-times. One possibility for seafood companies to meet this challenge is to utilise the benefits and prospects of an IT approach to product modelling. The approach used is developed for non-food specification tasks and coupled with the experience gained in a seafood company. IT application prototype that consisted mainly of earlier product solutions and knowledge related to the specification tasks was developed. Testing of the prototype has indicated possibilities for speeding up the specification process in the company and it is assumed that similar results can be obtained in other food product development processes.

Engineering Bereitschaft as an enabler for concurrent engineering

Abstract Industrial companies observe a general trend towards more customised products and shorter product life cycles. Furthermore, the market demands shorter lead-time and high-quality products at a competitive price. Concurrent Engineering addresses these challenges. Product modelling is a key aspect of the Concurrent Engineering literature. One problem with the product modelling literature is that it tends to assume that product development always is revolutionary. Very often product development is evolutionary and it means that product modelling should have a major emphasis on reuse. In this paper it is suggested that industrial companies should develop an engineering development Bereitschaft (preparatory engineering knowledge) as an approach to Concurrent Engineering and product modelling. To develop such an engineering development Bereitschaft, a company must develop company generic product models. This paper will describe experience from a shipyard where an object-oriented product model of a double hull supertanker and a product configurator prototype has been developed. Configuration of the steel structures in a ship and the succeeding productivity evaluation can in that way be done within a week. Such a fast cycle time allows for multiple iterations in search of a “good” design.