A methodology for managing integration problems with CIMOSA

The objective of this paper is to present a methodology for re-engineering processes in which the architectural framework CIMOSA supports an organisation in managing its integration difficulties. New market requirements demand new production strategies. Therefore, enterprises follow re-engineering processes and are faced with consequent integration problems. We investigated the re-engineering processes in three European enterprises that have applied CIMOSA in changing their manufacturing systems. Important factors in these re-engineering processes are the CIMOSA framework, the logical architecture, and the physical architecture. Appropriate usage of the CIMOSA modelling framework and the integrating infrastructure contributes to business integration and application integration. Although the CIMOSA framework has some gaps, the concepts behind it and the experiences gained show that it enables companies to manage integration difficulties.