Enterprise Interoperability: A Standardisation View (Short version)

David Chen, and Francois Vernadat

1/01/2005
(Original Publish Date: 2000)

Without standards there will be no interoperability. The objective of the paper is to identify issues and review standards relating to enterprise interoperability in intra and inter-organisational environment. It focuses on standards in the area of manufacturing activities and is presented from the point of view of users who design and implement enterprise systems. The paper presents some basic concepts and definitions to clarify the concept of enterprise interoperability. The link and difference between interoperability and integration are tentatively discussed. Further, the paper provides an overview on standards in the area of enterprise modelling and engineering. Although these standards do not directly deal with the interoperability issues, they contribute to improve the ability of interoperation as well. Finally, standards and projects are reviewed, that significantly support the achievement of enterprise interoperability.