Implementation of Information Management System: Human Factors Lessons Learned from Industrial Company

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the techniques used in achieving consensus on common standards to be implemented in the EUnetHTA Information Management System (IMS); and to describe how interoperability between tools was explored.Methods: Three face to face meetings were organized to identify and agree on common standards to the development of online tools. Two tools were created to demonstrate the added value of implementing interoperability standards at local levels. Developers of tools outside EUnetHTA were identified and contacted.Results: Four common standards have been agreed on by consensus; and consequently all EUnetHTA tools have been modified or designed accordingly. RDF Site Summary (RSS) has demonstrated a good potential to support rapid dissemination of HTA information. Contacts outside EUnetHTA resulted in direct collaboration (HTA glossary, HTAi Vortal), evaluation of options for interoperability between tools (CRD HTA database) or a formal framework to prepare cooperation on concrete projects (INAHTA projects database).Conclusions: While being entitled a project on IT infrastructure, the work program was also about people. When having to agree on complex topics, fostering a cohesive group dynamic and hosting face to face meetings brings added value and enhances understanding between partners. The adoption of widespread standards enhanced the homogeneity of the EUnetHTA tools and should thus contribute to their wider use, therefore, to the general objective of EUnetHTA. The initiatives on interoperability of systems need to be developed further to support a general interoperable information system that could benefit the whole HTA community.

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Integration of Data Management Systems With an Ontology Based Information Management System

Volume 1: 21st Computers and Information in Engineering Conference ◽

10.1115/detc2001/cie-21248 ◽

2001 ◽

Author(s):

T. C. Wijnker ◽

D. Lutters ◽

F. J. A. M. van Houten ◽

H. J. J. Kals

Keyword(s):

Data Management ◽

Information Management ◽

Management System ◽

Information Management System ◽

Management Systems ◽

Manufacturing Processes ◽

Data Management Systems ◽

Design And Manufacturing ◽

Pilot Implementation ◽

Industrial Company

Abstract In analyzing design and manufacturing tasks and their mutual interactions, it appears that the underlying information of these tasks is of the utmost importance. If this information is managed on an integral level, in a formalized, structured way, it can serve as a basis for the control of design and manufacturing processes. The ontological description that is used for this purpose is elaborated upon. It is indicated how an ontological description of the information content can govern design and manufacturing processes, and support their execution with all required information and functionality of resources. Moreover, it is expound how the ontological description can serve as the basis for integrating information that, in industry, is often dispersedly managed in separate coexisting data management systems. Furthermore, a framework is proposed for the implementation of an Information Management system as well as for the additional applications that utilize its functionality. Finally, a pilot implementation at a large Dutch industrial company is discussed concerning the aspect of integrating dispersedly managed information. This implementation is also compared to some currently available commercial solutions in this area that were tested at the company as well.

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