Neal P. Juster

Enterprise modelling and integration: a taxonomy of seven key aspects

Abstract Enterprise Engineering (EE), Enterprise Integration (EI), Enterprise Modelling (EM) and Enterprise Integration Modelling (EIM), which have been given the collective term `Enterprise Modelling and Integration (EMI) in this paper, are all concerned with, in one way or another, the definition, analysis, redesign and integration of business processes, process data and knowledge, software applications and information systems within an enterprise in order for it to achieve marked advancements in terms of overall organization performance. However, understanding the complexities involved and relationships between the theories outlined above is a taxing task. The objective of this paper is to provide a concise description on the assortment of topics associated with EMI. This is brought about by assembling and classifying EMI literature under seven key aspects: namely Drivers, Goals, Domains, Types, Modelling, Scale and Issues.

A Functional Data Model for Assemblies Used to Verify Product Design Specifications

During the design of a product periodic reviews must be conducted to verify that the product will meet its specification. However, there are few, if any, computer-based design systems that aid in engineering processes other than those involving low-level geometry. This paper describes two applications that use a functional representation of a product to aid the designer during the redesign process. The applications are aimed at assisting designers in checking that a design meets all the requirements in a products specification. The form of the data used by the applications is defined by a data model that allows the representation of the function of each feature, component and assembly in the product. This functional data model has the strength that it can represent a product as both a structural and a functional hierarchy. The paper concludes by describing results of experiments using a mechanical engineering product as a case study.

A functional approach to redesign

This paper describes a methodology to assist in the identification of possible conceptual design variants during redesign. The approach is based on functional reasoning and involves: (1) the structural and functional analysis of an existing design; (2) the production of abstract representations of functions and design entities using conceptual graphs; and (3) design interrogation based on a functional tree approach. The research reported in this paper also focuses on the definition and the representation of elementary mechanical functions. Extended Backus-Naur Form (EBNF) notations are used to structure in a computable form, the relevant information (or design knowledge) conceptualised in either the conceptual graphs or the functional trees. EBNF syntax is also used to formulate rules which aid the partial automation of the reasoning process. The EBNF notations can be mapped to any programming language. A diaphragm valve is used as a case study to demonstrate the approach.

Geometry of homograft valve leaflets: Effect of dilation of the aorta and the aortic root

With the increasing interest in aortic homografts as either a free-sewn valve or whole-root replacement, the effect of internal pressure and dilation of the aorta and aortic root on valve leaflet geometry has been studied. Seven aortic homograft roots were studied, six that had been stored in antibiotics and one that had been cryopreserved. The diameter of the aorta was determined as a function of internal pressure and correlated with the stress-strain characteristics of the aortic wall. Three-dimensional leaflet surface geometry was measured in the neutral position, and the leaflet was characterized by its radius of curvature and angle of inclination, using a cylindrical model. The diameter of the aorta increased by between 30% and 50% as the dilation pressure increased from 0 to 120 mm Hg. This was consistent with the stress-strain data obtained from strips of the aortic wall in the circumferential direction. The angle of inclination of the leaflet increased from 20 to 80 degrees and the radius of curvature increased from 4 to 17 mm as the internal pressure increased from 0 to 80 mm Hg. The open leaflet configuration showed a triangular orifice with low bending strains for a dilated root, but increased bending strains with reduced dilation pressure. These are important considerations when implanting a free-sewn homograft into the aortic root.

Rapid prototyping using the selective sintering process

Examines the process of selective laser sintering [SLS] for rapid prototyping. Begins with a brief history of [SLS] then describes the main components of the SLS system, the build materials which are used and the actually process operating cycle by which models are produced. Looks at the 3‐D CAD data preparation and factors affecting the quality of the models. Concludes that selective laser sintering is a continually developing process and in particular much effort is being spent on the development of new materials for the models.

A Role Interaction Approach to Support Manufacturing Enterprise Integration

Abstract Enterprise integration can be described as involving business process integration, business data integration, business software application integration and business computer system integration. In addition, these four must also be interlinked to achieve a truly integrated enterprise. This paper describes a ‘role interaction’ approach to meeting these integration needs of manufacturing enterprises. In short, ‘role interaction’ refers to the interaction that occurs between roles played by enterprise participants when performing their assigned tasks. An example showing this role interaction approach is discussed, using an enhanced form of the IDEF3 process description capture method.

The seven major aspects of enterprise modelling and integration: a position paper

Enterprise Engineering (EE), Enterprise Integration (EI), Enterprise Modelling (EM) and Enterprise Integration Modelling (EIM), which have been given the collective term Enterprise Modelling and Integration (EMI) in this paper, are all concerned with, in one way or another, the definition, analysis, redesign and integration of business processes, process data & knowledge, software applications and information systems within an enterprise in order for it to achieve marked advancements in terms of overall organization performance. However, understanding the complexities involved and relationships between the theories outlined above is a taxing task. The objective of this paper is to provide a concise description on the assortment of topics associated with EMI. This is brought about by assembling and classifying EMI literature under seven major aspects: namely Drivers, Goals, Issues, Scale, Types, Domains and Modelling.

The Selection of Surfaces for Inspection Planning

Abstract Computer aided inspection is one small but important component in the move toward a more automated design and manufacturing process. Previously reported research has concentrated on determining workpiece setup, probe selection and probe path planning for coordinate measuring machines. An area that has received little attention to date is the stage of inspection planning that determines which critical surfaces and tolerances of a mechanical component actually require inspection. The work reported in this chapter considers this problem. Evolving computer based systems developed to support engineering design and manufacture are adopting the concept of a Product Model as the central source for providing the data required by various applications in the product life-cycle. In a product model, the geometry, dimensions, tolerances and manufacturing process of a component can be described. The chapter describes a feature relationship graph, derived from the product model, that allows the geometry, dimensions and tolerances and planned processes to be represented consistently. The feature relationship graph supports the link between design and inspection.

An Information Support System for Enterprise Integration

Many manufacturing organizations have embraced the philosophy of Simultaneous Engineering (SE) as a way of working in the highly volatile and competitive business world of today This has occurred because SE methodologies are known to have improved quality, reduced time-to-market, provided greater customer satisfaction, minimized waste, and increased product reliability

The Selection of Surfaces in Inspection Planning for Coordinate Measuring Machines

If probe paths for coordinate measuring machines are to be generated automatically then methods must be developed that can determine which surfaces need to be inspected. Evolving computer based systems supporting engineering design and manufacture are adopting the concept of a Product Model as the central source for the data required by the various activities in the design and production cycle. This paper outlines a product model capable of representing data relating to a component’s geometry, dimensions, specification and manufacturing processes. An inspection planning application then uses the product model to determine which surfaces need to be inspected to ensure that the product conforms to the product specification.