A modeling approach for designing a value chain of virtual enterprise

As the advent of digital economy changes business environment dramatically, virtual enterprise (VE), in general the interactions among business partners in a value chain, has become a key factor to survive under the competitive business environment. VE reveals that more complex and dynamic business processes should be considered as assembled service components in order to integrate the collaborative business processes. Therefore, a formal standard schema for describing and managing the business processes is required. In this paper, we propose a consistent modeling approach that combines enterprise modeling and simulation modeling to design a value chain of a VE. This methodology will provide designers with insight into the business processes of a VE and help identify and resolve unpredictable bottlenecks on the execution of virtual business processes. This paper also illustrates an implemented modeling tool which is based on the generalized model suggested by the working group of the international conference on enterprise integration and modeling technology (ICEIMT) and notations by the object management group (OMG)’s unified modeling language (UML) profile for enterprise distributed object computing (EDOC).     

Engineering the Virtual Enterprise: An Architecture-Driven Modeling Approach

The managerial and organization practices required by an increasingly dynamic competitive manufacturing, business, and industrial environment include the formation of virtual enterprises. A major concern in the management of virtual enterprises is the integration and coordination of business processes contributed by partner enterprises. The traditional methods of process modeling currently used for the design of business processes do not fully support the needs of the virtual enterprise. The design of these virtual enterprises imposes requirements that make it more complex than conventional intraorganizational business process design. This paper first describes an architecture that assists in the design of the virtual enterprise. Then it discusses business process reengineering (BPR) as a methodology for modeling and designing virtual organizations. While BPR presents many useful tools, the approach itself and the modeling tools commonly used for redesign have fundamental shortcomings when dealing with the virtual enterprise. However, several innovative modeling approaches provide promise for this problem. The paper discusses some of these innovative modeling approaches, such as object-oriented modeling of business processes, agent modeling of organizational players, and the use of ontological modeling to capture and manipulate knowledge about the players and processes. The paper concludes with a conceptual modeling methodology that combines these approaches under the enterprise architecture for the design of virtual enterprises.     

An enterprise architecture framework for collaboration of virtual enterprise chains

The competitive power in the dynamically changing business environment has moved from individual enterprises to virtual enterprise chains. The collaboration of enterprises in a virtual enterprise chain requires that all of the enterprise elements should interact efficiently with each other based upon a virtual framework. However, any efficient framework for the collaboration is not introduced yet due to the incompatibility problem which stems from the inherent complexity of diverse enterprise elements. This paper introduces a new framework, the Virtual Enterprise Chain Collaboration Framework (VECCF), to guide enterprises to promote their collaboration efforts by addressing the incompatibility problem of enterprise elements. VECCF focuses on three aspects of enterprise elements which are capturing the different views of the collaboration: business processes, application software, and enabling technologies. In addition, the structure of VECCF conforms to OMG’s metamodel architecture so that the enterprise models can be extended to specific value chains when it is necessary. The enterprise models of a design chain and a supply chain are applied to VECCF and then integrated into a merged value chain to verify the adaptability and the extensibility of the proposed framework.     

虚拟企业经营过程仿真的联邦建模框架

为使虚拟企业的经营过程仿真建模能快速地响应虚拟企业的变化，提出了一个支持虚拟企业经营过程仿真模型重用、重构和规模扩展的联邦建模框架。该框架分为两个阶段，在成员企业经营过程仿真建模阶段，为了重用成员企业的经营过程仿真模型，成员企业的经营过程被分为外部触发过程、内部触发过程和混合触发过程，将每个外部触发过程仿真模型和混合触发过程仿真模型作为一个原子经营过程仿真模型来建立。在虚拟企业经营过程仿真建模阶段，通过组合成员企业的原子经营过程仿真模型，以经营过程仿真联邦的方式，建立虚拟企业经营过程的仿真模型。讨论了基于高层体系结构实现虚拟企业经营过程仿真联邦建模的关键技术。最后，结合某型号直升机旋翼虚拟设计过程，给出了建立虚拟企业经营过程仿真模型的实例。     

UML-PNs集成建模方法及其在虚拟企业中的应用

虚拟企业是未来企业的重要组织形态,它的主要职能之一是执行分布、并么经营过程。本文致力于虚拟企业的经营过程建模研究,以面向对象的虚拟企业经营过程描述为基础,提出了集成标准模语言和Ｐｅｔｒｉ网的虚拟企业经营过程建模方法－ＵＭＬ－ＰＮｓ集成建模方法。该方法提供了支持需求分析、模型描述和设计、模型分析和仿真,直至模型实现的一体化框架。最后,我们设计了旨在实现ＵＭＬ－ＰＮｓ集成建模方法的系统平台。     

基于统一建模语言的虚拟企业信息系统设计方法

分析了虚拟企业项目合作所面临的一些问题及其对信息系统的要求,构造了虚拟企业信息系统的参考框架结构。利用代表面向对象系统分析技术最新进展的一建模语言,对该信息系统进行了信息建模分析。介绍了统一建模语言的特性,结合实例给出了利用统一建模语言建立协作信息模型的实施方法。最后,分析了这一方法在系统实现中的优越性。     

Formation of dynamic virtual enterprises and enterprise networks

This paper addresses the preparation and set up of virtual enterprises and enterprise networks. A virtual enterprise (VE) can be perceived as a customer solution delivery system created by a temporary and re-configurable information and communications technology (ICT) enabled aggregation of competencies. The main achievements of the research include: (1) Clarification and definition of the concept for virtual enterprises and enterprise networks including preparation of these. (2) Development of a framework and a reference architecture for virtual enterprises named as Structured Methodology and ICT Reference Architecture respectively. Structured methodology structures the body of knowledge related to preparation, setup, and operation of virtual enterprises and enterprise networks. ICT reference architecture consists of three levels with seven layers to portray in a diagrammatic fashion how different enterprises may exchange and use information between their respective organizations’ specific proprietary systems and a central server. (3) Development of a methodology for virtual enterprise named as virtual enterprise methodology (VEM). VEM consists of a set of guidelines, which systematically describes activities that enterprises should consider in relation to set up and preparation of own enterprise networks with the aim to set up virtual enterprises. (4) Testing and validation of the developed VEM with the realization of a virtual case study. Virtual case study demonstrates and validates the application of the developed VE methodology with the illustration of the key activities related to setting up breeding environment, setting up and operating VE and dissolution of VE.     

动态联盟和敏捷供应链

动态联盟的建立是为了响应竞争环境的快速变化或一个新的市场机遇。它是一个结盟企业的利益共同体,是实现全球化敏捷生产的主要方式。敏捷供应链是支持动态联盟优化运行的重要使能技术。本文将主要针对在中国企业开展动态联盟的要求,困难和特点进行初步的分析,并重点围绕供应链的敏捷性,这一支持动态联盟优化运行的关键技术,进行深入的讨论,提出了一个基于智能代理和可重构原理的解决方案。     

基于Multi-gent的敏捷售后服务系统研究

为了提高企业售后服务系统的适用性和通用性，建立了一个基于多智能体的敏捷售后服务系统。首先分析敏捷虚拟企业环境下企业对售后服务系统的需求，以及他和传统企业售后服务系统的差异，然后建立由数据层、业务对象层、协同层和访问层四个层次组成的系统框架结构。实现该系统涉及的关键技术包括智能Agent结构设计、Agent之间的协同机制和系统对动态企业模型的支持方法。该系统能够自主地适应企业组织结构和业务流程的动态变化，支持企业流程的快速再造。     

经营过程建模

根据阶梯形CIM体系结构，提出了经营过程建模所应考虑的各个方面，阐述了过程视图的概念。详细探讨了基于通用建模语言的面向对象经营过程建模方法。最后，探讨了本体论思想，并提出了适合复杂应用目标的将经营过程链、对象、本体及代理相结合的建模范式。基于这样一种建模范式，可以通过描述企业的所有经营过程来建立全企业信息模型，从而通过计算机软件求解来实现企业全局优化的目标。     

Ahp model for the selection of partner companies in virtual enterprises

Rising product variety and complexity, shorter time frames to respond, and the continual need to gain new capabilities through innovativeness force the trend of outsourcing to be replaced by strategic alliances, where enterprises or individuals work together towards a common goal and share their responsibilities as well as their profits. Recent developments in information technology have enabled relatively inexpensive, reliable and fast networking to support such alliances in real time. In this context, the virtual enterprise (VE) represents an appropriate cooperation alternative and competitive advantage for the enterprises. VE is a temporary network of independent companies -- suppliers, customers, even rivals -- linked by information technology (IT) to share skills, costs and access to one another’s markets. In this emerging business model of virtual enterprise, the decision support functionality, which addresses issues such as partner company selection, is an important domain to be studied. In this paper, we propose an analytic hierarchy process model to contribute in the selection of the partner companies in the virtual enterprises. A case example is also covered to validate the feasibility of the adoption of the model in virtual enterprise situations.     

A neural network model for the assessment of partners’ performance in virtual enterprises

In response to increasing international competition, enterprises have been investigating new ways of cooperating with each other to cope with today’s unpredictable market behaviour. Advanced developments in information & communication technology (ICT) enabled reliable and fast cooperation to support real-time alliances. In this context, the virtual enterprise (VE) represents an appropriate cooperation alternative and competitive advantage for the enterprises. VE is a temporary network of independent companies or enterprises that can quickly bring together a set of core competencies to take advantage of market opportunity. In this emerging business model of VE, the key to enhancing the quality of decision making in the partner companies’ performance evaluation function is to take advantage of the powerful computer-related concepts, tools and technique that have become available in the last few years. This paper attempts to introduce a neural network model, which is able to contribute to the extrapolation of the probable outcomes based on available pattern of events in a virtual enterprise. Quality, delivery and progress were selected as determinant factors effecting the performance assessment. Considering the features of partner performance assessment and neural network models, a back-propagation neural network that includes a two hidden layers was used to evaluate the partner performance.     

虚拟企业运营过程中项目分解和计划策略研究

分析了在虚拟企业(VE)环境下项目管理的特点以及项目分解与计划在VE运营过程中的重要性。结合项目参考库在VE项目分解中的作用,给出了一种适合VE运营特点、提高项目分解效率的项目任务分解方法。同时提出一种考虑提前/拖期成本为目标的项目进度计划方法,反映了以交货期为中心的现代生产理念。最后,给出一种解决VE运营过程中项目任务的集中与分布控制问题的解决思路。     

面向敏捷供应链的可重构物流企业信息系统研究

敏捷供应链(ASC)环境下,随着企业动态联盟解散和重组,物流企业必须对这种变化做出相应的动态响应。可重构的关键是使物流企业的信息系统与敏捷供应链下各成员企业信息管理系统实现动态的信息集成。根据敏捷供应链管理的特点,提出了一种基于XML、CORBA以及Agent封装技术的实现物流信息系统重构的可行性方案。该方案针对企业内部信息系统的重构主要使用了CORBA以及Agent封装技术,而对于企业间的信息系统重构则主要采用了XML技术。     

面向制造网格的应用平台及虚拟企业建模研究

在分析制造网格、计算网格和网络化制造之间差异的基础上,探讨了面向制造网格的应用平台及虚拟企业 建模等问题。首先,分析了制造网格和网络化制造在资源组织和应用模式上存在的差异,提出一种面向制造网格 的应用框架;其次,研究了制造网格相对于计算网格所具有的多变业务目标、多级资源共享、资源服务的提供和 结果提交的在线和离线混合方式的特点,形成了制造网格的应用内涵;然后,在剖析计算网格、基于资源服务的 制造网格以及应用程序等基础上,形成了从业务链、资源服务链到网格节点链的处理过程,并最终导出了面向制 造网格应用的虚拟企业的组织模型。最后,通过对问题的量化描述了应用平台的处理过程和算法。上述研究对于 推动制造网格的应用和虚拟企业的组织建模具有积极的意义。     

A distributed internet-based framework for manufacturing planning

Manufacturing organizations worldwide are re-inventing their product development practices in an effort to satisfy changing customer requirements. In the context of these changes influencing the manufacturing community, there is a need to develop frameworks, architectures, and methods to facilitate the creation, implementation, and functioning of virtual enterprises (VEs). This paper presents an Internet-based framework, which supports distributed process planning activities in the context of a VE. Typically, in a VE, the enterprise partners are distributed, and possess diverse skills and heterogeneous software resources, which employ heterogeneous computing platforms. Using the developed approach, physically distributed product development partners can collaborate virtually via the Internet and integrate their life-cycle product development activities through seamless information exchange. In this framework, the distributed manufacturing resources communicate with each other via the Internet inter-ORB protocol (IIOP) using an object request broker (ORB) at each distributed site.     

An RFID-based enterprise application integration framework for real-time management of dynamic manufacturing processes

Enterprise application integration (EAI) is an important issue for a company trying to transform itself into a ubiquitous real-time organization. However, traditional techniques for EAI are only suitable for integrating the virtual information among different applications. The challenge of integrating physical objects with corresponding business processes and applications at the right time and location is a critical concern for companies building a real-time enterprise (RTE) information system. In this research, we proposed an EAI framework based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. On the basis of this framework, a prototype system is developed to demonstrate the applicability of the framework in a shop floor environment. This paper also presents a RFID-based standard operation procedure to configure a prototype system for a particular shop floor operation and an operator orientation for performing the corresponding tasks. The findings of this paper demonstrate that the proposed framework is more capable than most current industrial practices in both managing dynamic manufacturing processes and in providing real-time visibility of work-in-process information. Using this framework, an enterprise can easily integrate an RFID-based solution into its IT infrastructure and manufacturing environment to facilitate real-time management of dynamic production operations.     

面向虚拟装配的产品公差模型

从虚拟环境下产品模型的特点和特殊要求出发,提出了产品公差模型的概念,分析了虚拟环境对公差信息的需求,指出除基本信息外,还需要提供公差的动态行为信息.根据虚拟环境下面片模型的特点,提出了一种面向虚拟环境的多层次结构的产品双耦合公差模型,并结合产品属性信息建模,解决了虚拟环境下产品公差模型的构建问题.从几何模型的构建、属性信息的获取、不同层之间的映射技术等方面,系统地论述了该模型的具体实现方法,并结合公差动态行为信息在虚拟装配中的作用、公差和精度的可视化显示、公差的设计反馈等技术论述了该模型的具体应用方法.     

基于协调决策中心的供应链应用系统集成平台研究

为了支持供应链集成化管理,提出了一个在电子商务环境下基于协调决策中心的供应链应用系统集成平台。它包括框架结构、核心功能集和供应链数据交换规范等。在该集成平台中,将供应链应用系统集成归纳为企业内部应用系统的集成和企业间应用系统的集成两类,采用基于公共对象请求代理体系结构封装技术的集成接口代理实现企业内应用系统集成,采用基于可扩展标记语言数据交换技术的数据泵实现企业间应用系统集成。利用该集成平台,将供应链管理的核心业务流程和企业管理应用系统等通过相应的标准组合起来,实现面向多企业的供应链集成化管理。     

虚拟企业工作流技术在电子商务中的应用研究

虚拟企业工作流技术的研究对推进电子南务技术的应用男有重要的意义。本文研究了虚拟企业工作流实现的关键技术，包括协调机制、通信机制以及约束机制，提出通过引入电子合同来建立虚拟企业之间业务过程协调的约束机制。在此基础上，实现了虚拟企业工作流控制功能。