Abstract
Information-Integration is vital for keeping manufacturing operations competitive. A case study approach has been adopted to better understand the role of information in integrated manufacturing. Information is now considered a corporate asset. Creation, processing, movement, and security of information is therefore as important as that of the products/services of an enterprise. The case studies have helped in identifying the issues involved in developing an information system and supporting software framework for a manufacturing enterprise. The case studies have helped in refining an integration model, and identifying the characteristics desirable in modeling methodologies and tools. This paper describes a case study dealing with integrated manufacture of optical fiber products. A phased development and implementation approach was adopted where a small, manageable slice of the system is considered for the case study followed by functional modeling (IDEF0) and data flow modeling (Data Flow Diagrams). This identifies the pieces of information of interest. The information relationships are modeled using Extended Entity Relationship (EER) diagrams which are then mapped on to a relational model. The relational tables thus obtained were implemented on a commercial Database Management System. The functional constraints and application interfaces were then built using SQL and commercial application interface tools. The sections in the paper describe the functional models, data flow diagrams, EER diagrams, relational database design, and user/application interfaces developed for the system. Implementation experiences and observations are discussed followed by plans for the next phase of the system.
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