CC-00-154 THE WEB, XML AND THE EXTENDED ENTERPRISE: AN INTEGRATED BUSINESS COMMUNITY?

Description:

In the standard model, the systems and services that support plant activities are largely isolated from the enterprise’s suppliers and partners. Outsourcing, where found, typically consists of bringing personnel/services literally “inside the fence”. However, the increasing demand for connectivity, together with the relentless search for competitive advantage, is leading to pervasive business community integration that goes well beyond the “fence”. Consequently, the technological advances of Web/Internet connectivity as well as robust messaging services are required for the enterprise to link with outside suppliers. Moreover, the emergence, maturation, and ongoing adoption of XML as the universally accepted data exchange mechanism are key to the task of data exchange and application/process integration. Consider Enterprise Asset Management processes. MRO parts will be purchased online using XMLbased catalogs. EAM/CMMS systems will be outsourced over the web along an ASP (Application Service Provider) model. Entire pump/valve maintenance processes will be outsourced along the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) model, with the plant ERP/CMMS being updated with XML-based work order histories. Valve repair shops will provide maintenance departments with online, up-to-the-minute repair status information. In short, integration points will span the enterprise from top to bottom with systems and services both in- and outside the plant making up an integrated business community.