Enterprise and simulation modelling in enterprise architecture execution

Abstract

A new method of underpinning business analysis by explicitly embedding architectural models of manufacturing enterprises into multi-level of abstraction enterprise and simulation models is described. The approach enables reachable behavioural responses of alternatively organised enterprises to be simulated in a virtual environment prior to costly and possibly inappropriate organisational change. The method allows high levels of organisational complexity to be handled leading to improved specification, integration and change management of large-scale information systems. The developed approach builds upon the state of the art in the integrated use of enterprise modelling and simulation techniques. New decomposition and representational techniques are described that are designed to enable computer execution of key structural properties of complex systems. A case study application of the developed model-driven approach is also illustrated.