Laurie Rattner

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. >

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. >

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.

Manufacturing Information Integration Using a Reference Model

Virtual corporations, enterprise re‐engineering, and adaptive/agile manufacturing are all new concepts based on the accomplishments of integrated manufacturing of the past decade. The new manufacturing enterprises are characterized by an ability to effect flexible reconfiguration of resources, shorter cycle times and quick response to customer demands. Information is a key factor in transcending physical barriers and imparting the enterprise‐oriented agility and adaptiveness to organizations. To this end, a theory‐based reference model for information integration is needed in manufacturing enterprises. Employs the paradigm of parallel formulation as the reference model and demonstrates how it is used to guide the planning for information integration. The model provides both a detailed data and task analysis of manufacturing functions and their interactions, and guidelines for regrouping tasks into parallel processes and thereby achieving a high level of global integration. Describes a case study of the mo...

A metadata system for information modeling and integration

Information integration in computerized enterprises entails global modeling and repository systems that represent both data resources and control knowledge of the enterprise. Toward this end, a metadata system has been developed based on the two-stage entity-relationship approach. The systems functions include creation of functional models, structural models, and implementation schemata for both data and knowledge. The mappings between functional and structural models, as well as between structural models and implementation schemata, are automated. Integration of heterogeneous subsystem models across the enterprise is another function of the system. The resulting global conceptual model of the enterprise could be used for administration purposes or further mapped into physical schema for implementation. Management of the metadata repository is a third function. The system supports the creation, storage, and management of the metadatabase as a stand-alone global information resources dictionary for all enterprise users. The creation and population of the metadatabase are fully automated according to the information model. Manipulation and query against the metadatabase are done through a metadata engine, which is implemented using a relational database management system coupled with a Lisp environment.<<ETX>>

Metadatabase solutions for enterprise information integration problems

The success of modern information technology in the past decades has brought about the proliferation of systems dedicated to individual groups of applications and functions. This proliferation, in turn, has led to the need for enterprise-wide management and integration of information, and has triggered major efforts such as systems integration, re-engineering, and computer integrated manufacturing. Nonetheless, achieving such integration remains a challenge.To effectively manage information resources and to coordinate processing at a global level requires concepts and technologies that overcome the difficult problems arising from, among other things, combining data with knowledge and managing concurrent multi-database systems. The metadatabase approach offers fresh promise to solve some of these fundamental problems. The basic functionalities and architecture of the metadatabase model are described in this paper. Several examples central to information management are also included to illustrate how the metadatabase approach can be deployed to better manage enterprise-wide information resources.

Core information model: a practical solution to costly integration problems

Abstract Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) typically entails multiple information systems that, individually, need to satisfy their own functional requirements while, collectively, must work together and constitute an integrated environment for the enterprise as a whole. Thus, an enterprise information model is critical to CIM. A missing element in many CIM information models is the contextual knowledge that turn data resources into agents of integration. This alignment of data with knowledge are especially crucial for reference models (in the sense of, for instance, CIM-OSA), which are recommended by international standards communities as an economical way to develop integrated information system. A reference model could either be a road map or be a core model to start the development with. The problem with road map is usually its lack of specificity, and that with a core model is costliness, or being over-comprehensive. This paper presents a core model that is compact and suitable for small and medium-sized manufacturers. An integration theory based on the parallel formulation of information and decision processes is used together with other principles derived from the literature to guide the development of control and other types of contextual knowledge. The knowledge is then fully engineered to integrate with a generic, basic CIM data model developed from industrial scenarios. The complete model is presented along with its underlying methods.

The metadatabase approach to integrating and managing manufacturing information systems

Integration has become a self-evident goal in todays manufacturing enterprises. Since the late 1970s, numerous efforts have been launched world-wide to develop, employ, and deploy integration technology as a strategic weapon to compete in the global market-place. Important results have been obtained, including computer integrated manufacturing (CIM), concurrent engineering, and enterprise re-engineering. The field is poised to tackle some fundamental barriers of integration and thereby effect a new quantum jump in overall productivity, where information will become a fourth basic factor of production along with land, labor and capital. Among the barriers are the lack of information technology enabling multiple systems operating concurrently over different geographical regions. This paper discusses a unique approach to the integration problem regarding information resources management, global query and concurrent systems administration. This approach is based on the metadatabase model which incorporates both data and knowledge in order to accomplish information integration across manufacturing functions. Basic concepts, methods and techniques have been developed for the approach and verified via a prototype metadatabase system. The systems primary components and major functionalities are discussed and illustrated in detail through the use of an extended example of a pilot manufacturing system comprising order processing, process design and shop floor control. It will also provide the reader with a simulated system demonstration.

Information requirements analysis for manufacturing planning and control

Information integration is a driving force underlying many major efforts in manufacturing systems, ranging from MRP and MRP II to the current research on CIM. The problem of integration, however, has not been sufficiently studied previously from the perspective of information. The authors analyze the information aspects of the evolution of integrating manufacturing planning with its control. A conceptual framework is developed to help identify the potentials and requirements of information integration. The strengths and limitations of MRP II are discussed in the light of the framework, leading to a formulation of further integration. A modeling methodology using this framework is also suggested.<<ETX>>

The information processing roles for mid-level production management in agile manufacturing

Concurrent with the development of agile manufacturing has been the worldwide managerial initiative to increase productivity and quality through redesigning work processes and procedures. Based on a precept of continuous improvement, this effort has focused on simplifying production processes and eliminating those activities that do not add value to the firms output of products and services. Productivity has been enhanced primarily through cost reductions. Associated with these reduction-in-force programs has been an elimination of organizational levels and an empowerment of the work force. Information technologies are responsible for some of the gains in productivity as improvements in information processing capabilities have significantly changed shop floor activities and streamlined the traditional information processing roles of mid-level production managers.<<ETX>>