Lester Yee

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. >

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.

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>>

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.

Model-based visualization for enterprise information management

The next generation user-interface for information systems will feature model-assisted visualization. The visual user-interfaces will incorporate and utilize available and rigorous contextual models of information in conveying enterprise information to users. These models will drive the synthesis of the visual elements representing information, portray the dynamics inherent in enterprise information, and guide the interactions in the man-machine interface. A formal framework utilizing an information universe paradigm (with the globe metaphor), a visualization architecture, and a metadatabase is proposed to provide some solutions to the new user interface. Prototyping and other investigations for the framework are underway.<<ETX>>

A Virtual Reality Interface to an Enterprise Metadatabase

A variety of semantic data models are inherently three dimensional (3D), yet are popularly presented in 2D diagrammatic outline form. A system called the VIU-2, a second generation prototype of a 3D information visualization system for metadata is presented. Employing a virtual reality (VR) toolkit, VR hardware and a Metadatabase, the system visualizes an enterprises conceptual model in 3D interactive space. Enterprise users in turn navigate and interact with the model as a means to facilitate information management tasks. Presented are the underlying concepts to this research work and its particular implementation methods.

Visual Information Universe

Information visualization provides a new generation of user interface for integrated (extended) enterprises. Its significance has been discussed in chapter 1 and elsewhere. It is also a basis for electronic commerce and other global information enterprises. From a producer’s and customer’s perspective, doing business over the Internet, or in the cyberspace, requires electronic currency, marketing channels, and other electronic counterparts to the traditional market mechanism. However, from an information user’s perspective, once an engagement between the customer and the producer/provider is established in the electronic marketplace, the rest of the activity is but some information jobs between them both of which are indigenous constituencies of the extended enterprise in cyberspace. Thus, information visualization applies to distributed information enterprises such as electronic commerce on the same foundations as it is applied to a traditional enterprise. A new four-dimensional method using ubiquitous enterprise metadata is presented.

What Is Rensselaer's Metadatabase System?

Integration has become a self-evident goal in today’s manufacturing enterprises. Since the late 1970’s, numerous major efforts have been launched worldwide to develop, employ, and deploy information technology for integration as a strategic weapon to compete in the global marketplace. This paper discusses a unique approach to the integration problem regarding metadata management, global query and concurrent systems administration. This approach has been shown to be effective in a prototype system, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Metadatabase System. The metadatabase model incorporates both data and knowledge in order to accomplish information integration across manufacturing functions. The system’s primary components and major functionalities are discussed and illustrated in detail through the use of an extended example of a pilot manufacturing system.

Global information resources dictionary (GIRD): a metadatabase structure for heterogeneous, distributed environments

The development of the GIRD (global information resources dictionary) is shown. The representation method of the GIRD is described, beginning with a review of the TSER (two stage entity relationship) and including a manufacturing shop-floor control example to illustrate the concepts. The conceptual development of GIRD and its structure are detailed. The implementation of GIRD is described. Comparisons of the GIRD with the IRDS (information resources dictionary system) standard are made. Continuing research and development are reported.<<ETX>>