Wided Guédria

Towards a systemic formalisation of interoperability

Abstract Interoperability has been mainly approached from an IT point of view or enterprise collaboration perspective. This paper aims at contributing to develop a science base for interoperability by studying interoperability on the basis of the system theory. The main contribution is to propose a formalisation of interoperability grounded in the general system theory: the Ontology of Interoperability (OoI). OoI provides a meta-model for ontological descriptions of systems, problems and solutions, which can then be inferred for a computer-aided interoperability diagnosis and problem solving. Related concepts definitions as well as a systemic model and a decisional model are given and discussed. Based on the Framework for Enterprise Interoperability (CEN/ISO 11354), the specialisation of the OoI to the enterprise domain is discussed. A case example is presented to illustrate the proposed approach.

Interoperability Maturity Models --- Survey and Comparison ---

Developing interoperability implies defining metrics to measure the degree of interoperability between systems. One of the measures is concerned with the use of maturity models, describing the stages through which systems should evolve to reach higher completeness in the realization of a given objective. This paper reviews the main maturity models that are or could be used for interoperability measure, comparing their different aspects in order to evaluate their relevance and coverage with respect to enterprise interoperability.

A Maturity Model for Enterprise Interoperability

Existing interoperability maturity models are fragmented and only cover some interoperability aspects. This paper tentatively proposes a maturity model for enterprise interoperability which is elaborated on the basis of existing ones. It is also consistent to the Enterprise Interoperability Framework currently under the standardization process. After a brief introduction, the paper reviews existing maturity models for interoperability and recalls the basic concepts of the Enterprise Interoperability Framework. Then the proposed maturity model for enterprise interoperability is discussed in details. Metrics for determining maturity levels are presented as well. Finally the last part of the paper gives the conclusions and perspectives for future work.

Supporting interoperability in complex adaptive enterprise systems

From a Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory perspective a new approach for supporting Enterprise Interoperability (EI) is described. Particular needs informed by the theory are presented and a software environment supporting these requirements is proposed. The infrastructure aims at serving as a tool for solving problems in the EI domain, and includes a Domain Specific Language (DSL) supporting engineering interoperability solutions. The Ontology of Enterprise Interoperability (OoEI) provides the underlying conceptualisation of the Enterprise Interoperability (EI) domain and is used as basis. The DSL enhances the ontology with CAS related concepts. The CAS perspective provides a particular focus on dynamic aspects, which requires a new approach currently only addressed to a limited extend. The research interoperability infrastructure provides components to address the decentralised nature of a CAS by providing software agents and agent interaction protocols that facilitate the identification of interoperability problems and agent negotiations to find solutions. It is realised using the functional programming language Scala.

Extending the Ontology of Enterprise Interoperability (OoEI) Using Enterprise-as-System Concepts

In this paper, we discuss the use of the General Systems Theory, for Enterprise Interoperability (EI). We review the main systemic concepts and models, highlighting the systemic concepts related to the enterprise domain, that are important for interoperability. In particular we survey the Ontology of Enterprise Interoperability (OoEI) based on the Framework for Enterprise Interoperability (CEN/ISO 11354) and grounded in systemics. We then extend the OoEI by a systemic model of enterprise. This will help locate problems and solutions for interoperability with better granularity.

Maturity model as decision support for enterprise interoperability

To survive in a competitive environment, enterprises have to solve interoperability problems or prevent them to appear, and if possible avoid them by choosing suitable partners having a good interoperability potential. This paper proposes and discusses decision support to enterprise interoperability establishment using MMEI (Maturity Model for Enterprise Interoperability). It discusses how the MMEI model can be used to help enterprises evaluating the suitability of partners in an interoperability context. It also explains how sources of interoperability problems could be identified early during the design phase and so, could be solved before interoperability occurs.

A Maturity Model Assessing Interoperability Potential

In a globalized and networked society, interoperability is a pervasive topic as it is a key factor of success for enterprises to meet their own added values and to exploit the market opportunities. This paper aims at presenting a model based on enterprise interoperability potential following the maturity models approach. Interoperability potential assessment requires a framework to capture the artifacts needed for enterprise interoperations. The framework of Enterprise Interoperability (FEI), currently under CEN/ISO standardization process is used as basis for the defined model.

Towards a Meta-Model for Networked Enterprise

To deal with challenges as globalization and fast-changing environments, enterprises are progressively collaborating with others and becoming a Networked Enterprise (NE). In this context, Enterprise Interoperability (EI) is a crucial requirement that needs to be verified by enterprises when starting a relationship to avoid interoperability problems. The concepts of NE and EI are not easy to understand due the variety of interpretations that exist in the literature. Having a clear and shared understanding of the NE and the different interoperations between partners is a necessity to manage the interoperability development. In order to reach such an objective, this research work defines a meta-model for NE based on a systemic approach. Concepts related to EI are taken into account to highlight the importance of this ability (i.e. Interoperability), seen as a requirement, within a system to attain its targeted goals. Finally, a real case study is proposed to validate the defined meta-model.

Research Methodology for Enterprise Interoperability Architecture Approach

As technology becomes more far-reaching and interconnected, the need of interoperability is becoming increasingly important. The Ontology of Enterprise Interoperability (OoEI) was defined as a scientific reference model regarding interoperability leading to a common understanding involving this topic. The OoEI was proposed in the general context of Enterprise Interoperability with high level concepts using the system theory. This needs to be enriched with concepts from Enterprise domain. The discipline of Enterprise Architecture (EA) advocates the use of models to support business services on enterprises. Among them, this work focuses on ArchiMate. In order to provide business services support, ArchiMate, should be amenable to analyze of various properties, as e.g. the interoperability requirements. This paper proposes a set of concepts covering the EA and interoperability domains. Through literature review and framework research, we identify key aspects of interoperability and EA and their associations, resulting in a reference conceptual model for integrated Enterprise Architecture Interoperability. The proposed model is defined based on the Design Science Research methodology. A case study illustration will be used for the evaluation as part of the research approach.

Enterprise Interoperability Maturity: A Model Using Fuzzy Metrics

Measuring interoperability maturity allows a company to know its strengths and weaknesses in terms of interoperability with its current and potential partners, and to prioritize improvement actions. Existing maturity models however cover only few aspects of interoperability. This paper aims at presenting a Maturity Model for Enterprise Interoperability (MMEI) based on the Framework for Enterprise Interoperability currently under CEN/ISO standardization process. The proposed model takes into account the existing relevant maturity models and goes beyond, extending the coverage of the interoperability domain. Together with the MMEI, we provide an assessment framework which has the particularity to be based on Fuzzy sets theory. Both are demonstrated with an illustrative case study.