Modelling Overview: Globeman21 (ESPRIT 26509) - Report no. D1.1 - Public version

This report provides an overview of the existing models of global manufacturing, describes the required modelling views and associated methods and identifies tools, which can provide support for this modelling activity.The model adopted for global manufacturing is that of an extended enterprise sharing many of the characteristics of a virtual enterprise. This extended enterprise will have the following characteristics: The extended enterprise is focused on satisfying the current customer requirement so that it has a limited life expectancy, but should be capable of being recreated to deal with similar customer requirements. The activities of the extended enterprise may be geographically distributed Information technology is used as an enabling technology. The members of the extended enterprise are drawn in the main from a network of business units, each contributing one or more competencies. One or more units from beyond the network may complement the extended enterprise. The common reference model for this extended enterprise will utilise GERAM (Generalised Enterprise Reference Architecture and Methodology) to provide an architectural framework for the modelling carried out within the project. This deliverable includes the descriptions (based on GERAM) of basic frameworks for the management of the extended enterprise and for the management of the product life cycle.