In this contribution interoperability is considered from the perspective of platforms, which have to manage cross-organisational business processes. A model-based approach for configuring a cloud platform for managing complex processes and their dependencies across different organisations is provided. The approach is applied on using FIWARE, which provides a framework of open source software platform components. The core concept is to extend the open source core data model of FIWARE by using the artefacts of an Enterprise model, describing the dependencies of processes, roles, object data and application interfaces. Based on a given use case the principal configuration was applied and validated.
from different companies have to interact (e.g. the logistics service manager and production control manager).
For all cases the networked dependent processes are the base for interoperable business between partners. Because of the frequent changes in our business environment, platforms can not rely on stable process standards anymore. For that, PaaS – Solutions require suitable capabilities for (automatic) configuration and adaptions of the underlying process network implementation. In the following chapters a specific use case will be provided and a model-based configuration approach for the open source Solution FIWARE proposed.
In Figure 1, a partial view an Enterprise model based on the Integrated Enterprise Modelling (IEM) methodology is given for describing the engineering lifecycle of aircraft components. • Number of different organizations interacting along the different networked processes: 6 Modelling and executing of processes using standard workflow design and execution systems would lead to a lot of effort and delay, whenever a change has to be considered.
FIWARE provides a framework of open source software platform components [
The specification contains the data model and the API (Application Programming Interface). The
core elements of the NGSI-LD are derived from the concept of resource definition framework (RDF)
[
In the next chapter it is described how such a data model can be extended to reflect complex processes and data standards as indicated in chapter 2 by utilizing an Enterprise Model.
Enterprise Models are used to develop, operate and maintain complex enterprise architectures from structural and behavioral perspectives. The major objectives of enterprise models are the multidisciplinary application for stakeholder with different professional background and at the same time to describe target or real systems as formal as possible.
For the applicability in a wide range of disciplines and professional backgrounds enterprise
modelling methodologies aim to be expressiveness, whilst data models like RDF are suitable mostly
for computer scientist. The Integrated Enterprise Modelling Methodology (IEM) [
Figure ). The FIWARE context broker management services are then just managing application data according to the extended data model.
The aim is to perform the extension of the data model based on the IEM model automatically. For that purpose, a mapping between the IEM Modelling Constructs and its matching the NGSI LD representation was performed (Table 1).
In the first validation step, the modelling data were transformed into its respective NGSI-LD representation manually as well as tested the accuracy of results. All relevant elements of the IEM model could have been transferred to the NGSI-LD model and the data integration was shown to be possible. By validating the first data sets we did not find any mismatches. The first trial was limited by less amount of data, just three involved roles and their responsibilities and permissions, by less complexity of data structure and the fact, that no business applications from different locations were involved.
Model based configuration is an opportunity for fast and consistent realization of cloud platforms for managing and operating complex cross-organizational process networks. The approach to configure a platform through the extension of the underlying platform data model. The FIWARE platform seems to be suitable, because business and data logic are separated from platform management functions. The potential benefits are promising. With model-based configuration, such platforms can be adapted, even with complex process handling. The evolvement and change can be discussed with all stakeholders. So, flexibility and agility according to our changing business environment can be increased. In this trial, the IEM methodology was used for the model-based configuration. Because IEM is compliant to ISO 19440 “Constructs for Enterprise Modelling”, it seems to be wise to create a mapping between ISO 19440, so that other enterprise modelling methodologies and tools can be used for cloud platform configuration as well.
In future work, automatic testing capability has to be explored. Further on, data mappings
regarding complex business object definitions like CCTS (core components technical specification)
have to be integrated [