This paper proposes the use of information system models of production as a tool to achieve rationalization and integration goals and to create a learning organization. It is shown that through use of these models it is possible to identify cost-benefit ratios for various rationalization and modernization tasks, and to create an action plan for their implementation. The proposed production information model aims at reducing every job into its smallest elements in the form of processes and activities as well as rationalizing the subjective concepts of complexity, size, quality, etc. through the use of metrics. The paper also discusses the increasing reality variance of accounting systems and proposes the introduction of single-factor and total-factor productivity for correct evaluation of operating performances and of investment decisions. While the model is generic enough to cover all eventualities, its application to specific yards requires additional tailoring to reflect the effects of layout, facilities, organization and labor resources on the yard performance. The paper suggests that adoption of such models avoids subsystem optimization or importation of methods and techniques which might have been successful in some other operation and yet may not be appropriate in given circumstances.
Validation of information system models: Petri nets and test case generation
