Requirements for Supporting Enterprise Interoperability in Dynamic Environments

Abstract

Interoperability in enterprise systems is currently discussed from a system theoretic point of view. In the conceptual work described here, two special instances of systems theory are used as a basis allowing to detail requirements for interoperability in dynamic environments. Chaos Theory and Complex Adaptive Systems Theory focus on the description of properties of dynamic systems where the global system's behavior cannot be determined by summing up behaviors of system parts. First a connection between enterprise systems and the theories are established. The theories are then used as a lens for analyzing and discussing initial requirements for a platform that supports interoperability in a dynamic context.

Interoperability in the cyber-physical manufacturing enterprise

“…The Cyber-Physical Enterprise and a System-of-Systems point of view may be extended towards Complex Adaptive Enterprise Systems (CAS) (Weichhart, 2014). Although no agreed-upon definition of a Complex Adaptive System exists, some properties are commonly discussed in the literature.…”

“…The OoEI has been evolved in order to capture dynamic aspects provided by the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory (Weichhart, 2014). As already mentioned above, CAS theory is compatible with SoS theory.…”

An IFIP WG5.8 State-of-the-Art View on Methods and Approaches for Interoperable Enterprise Systems

“…1. Organizational Semiotics: Stamper's Semiotic Ladder [16] Enterprises and Networks of Enterprises can also be described as Complex Adaptive Systems [17,18]. (Human / Artificial) Agents are interacting with the Enterprise System.…”

“…In contrast to that, integration is a (final) state where all elements of a system can exchange and understand information. This implies that the model used for communication is also integrated on a semantic and a pragmatic level by the involved elements [18].…”

Agent- and Skill-Based Process Interoperability for Socio-Technical Production Systems-of-Systems

“…Interoperability barriers are discussed in the domain of enterprise interoperability along the following dimensions [13]: (i) interoperability approaches (i.e. federated, unified, and tight integrated), (ii) interoperability timing (i.e.…”