Towards a meta-model for networked enterprise

Abstract

To deal with challenges as globalization and fast-changing environments, enterprises are progressively collaborating with others and becoming a Networked Enterprise (NE). In this context, Enterprise Interoperability (EI) is a crucial requirement that needs to be verified by enterprises when starting a relationship to avoid interoperability problems. The concepts of NE and EI are not easy to understand due the variety of interpretations that exist in the literature. Having a clear and shared understanding of the NE and the different interoperations between partners is a necessity to manage the interoperability development. In order to reach such an objective, this research work defines a meta-model for NE based on a systemic approach. Concepts related to EI are taken into account to highlight the importance of this ability (i.e. Interoperability), seen as a requirement, within a system to attain its targeted goals. Finally, a real case study is proposed to validate the defined meta-model.