Enterprise modelling for interoperable and knowledge-based enterprises

Abstract

The paper first takes a look at the state of the art on the overlapping areas of: Enterprise Modelling, Enterprise Integration/Interoperability, Organisational Learning and Knowledge Management. We identify requirements, characterisation and recent contributions for the interoperable and knowledge-based enterprises in the area of production of goods or services. It is then advocated that Enterprise Modelling and Knowledge Representation should combine their efforts to develop reference and reusable core manufacturing enterprise ontologies to support Enterprise Integration and Interoperability on one hand and open the door to Organisational Learning and management of active knowledge for the ‘smart’ enterprises of tomorrow on the other hand. This is illustrated by case studies from projects carried out in industry.

Keywords:

• enterprise modelling
• knowledge representation
• active knowledge
• enterprise integration
• interoperability
• core manufacturing enterprise ontologies
• organisational learning

Notes

1. A detailed description of the EM methods and languages mentioned is out of the scope of this paper because it would drastically extend its length.