A reference model of 'operate' processes for process-based change

This paper highlights the key issues which restrict the practical integration of business processes in manufacturing enterprises. The interest in integration among both practitioners and academics is evident from the research agendas and improvement programmes which have emerged. It has become apparent, however, that there is fragmentation within the domain. Whilst practitioners have focused on business processes through their re-engineering programmes to improve enterprise efficiency, information system developers have emphasized the use of standard models to accelerate the speed of configuration and implementation of integrated systems for enterprises. For their part, researchers have concentrated their efforts on the development of conceptual frameworks which embody the key characteristics and dimensions relevant for enterprise integration. There is now a need to capitalize on these developments and to bridge the gap between the conceptual and practical requirements of integration. The development of a reference model, constructed using IDEF0 is described. The model is a partial model which can be particularized by practitioners to form a representation of their own enterprise.