Employing Zachman Enterprise Architecture Framework to Systematically Perform Model-Based System Engineering Activities

Abstract

There are numerous Enterprise Information System (EIS) engineering methodologies in the literature, each covering different aspects. However, in order to integrate them in an Enterprise Architecture, model-based engineering can be adopted. In such a case, a central system model is defined supporting all engineering activities. Zachman's matrix may be used as a basis for constructing such a model. Based on this assumption, we propose a systematic approach for the support of model-based EIS engineering process using Zachman matrix as EIS central model. Basic EIS engineering activities and the way they may be served by specific rows is explored, while the contribution of each system aspect (matrix column) is also taken into account. A conceptual model for model-based EIS engineering is also introduced. To explore the proposed concepts in practice, the System Network cell is used as an example. Corresponding engineering tasks and sub-models are formed based on the proposed guidelines in a technology and methodology independent fashion. A case study based on the proposed concepts is also presented.

Model-based enterprise information system design

“…• Μια συστηματική βιβλιογραφική έρευνα των μεθοδολογιών που αφορούν στη σχεδίαση των ΕΠΣ [4] • Μια μοντελο-κεντρική προσέγγιση για το σχεδιασμό ΕΠΣ και ο ορισμός ενός μεταμοντέλου ο οποίος να βασίζεται στη SysML που να εξυπηρετεί το σκοπό αυτό [5,6] • Ο ορισμός και η επαλήθευση των μη λειτουργικών απαιτήσεων απόδοσης [7,8]. Συγκεκριμένα:…”

“…Model-based design of information systems is explored by methodologies such as the ones presented in [4,[52][53][54]. UML and recently SysML are adopted in all of them as the system modeling language.…”

“…In the case of EIS architecture design, solution synthesis encompasses Functionality, Topology and Network Infrastructure definitions [4]. Functionality definition focuses on software architecture design, Topology definition on software allocation process and Network Infrastructure definition on hardware architecture design.…”

“…fined based on the principles of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 42010 standard[99] and the conceptual model for model-based enterprise information system engineering using the Zachman framework[4]. In Zachman framework, the model focuses on six different perspectives serving discrete primary engineering activities according to Zachman matrix row rationale and six different aspects according to Zachman matrix column rationale (Figure4.1).…”