The system integration architecture: A framework for extended enterprise information systems

Abstract

Manufacturing and enterprise formation is changing dramatically with speed and response time key parameters in competitive success. Companies are forming extended or virtual enterprises to tap core competencies and speed up their response times. Unfortunately, current information systems are a major hindrance to the rapid formation of such organizations and often to the rapid response of a single company wanting to change the way it does business. The Systems integration Architecture (SIA) project is a research project to identify and resolve issues in the rapid integration of dynamic heterogeneous hardware, software and typical in this agile world. SIA is an integration framework based on a new basis model and definition of integration which are briefly described. The background to SIA, some of the issues involved and the approach taken to address them within SIA are presented. Specifically, some of the critical issues in the design of an information infrastructures such as SIA are discussed.