Short answer

Adopt an ontological modeling approach to define the fundamental business and information processes of an enterprise before designing or updating its information systems.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: Research Repository (Delft University of Technology) (2013)
Method: Conceptual Framework Development
Evidence: Strong effect

Designing enterprise information systems (EIS) using an implementation-independent ontological model of the organization leads to more robust and adaptable systems. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in Research Repository (Delft University of Technology). Using Conceptual framework development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt an ontological modeling approach to define the fundamental business and information processes of an enterprise before designing or updating its information systems.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactStrong effect

Ontological Modelling Enhances Enterprise Information System Design

Designing enterprise information systems (EIS) using an implementation-independent ontological model of the organization leads to more robust and adaptable systems.

Research Repository (Delft University of Technology) · 2013

Key Findings

01An ontological model provides a stable, implementation-independent representation of an enterprise's core functions.
02Viewing EIS as an implementation scenario of an ontological model allows for better alignment with business needs.
03A specification framework can guide the engineering process for EIS based on ontological models.

Application

Design takeaway

Adopt an ontological modeling approach to define the fundamental business and information processes of an enterprise before designing or updating its information systems.

How to apply

Before embarking on an EIS project, create a detailed ontological model that defines the essential business and information processes, ensuring it is independent of any specific software or hardware.

Project actions

01When designing a system, first map out the essential functions and information flows without thinking about specific software.
02Consider how your design could be adapted if the underlying technology changes.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can an ontological model of an enterprise's business and information processes facilitate the design of adaptable and integrated enterprise information systems?

MethodConceptual Framework Development

ProcedureThe research proposes a method for designing EIS based on an ontological model. This model captures implementation-independent business and information processes, and the EIS is viewed as a specific implementation of this model. A specification framework with engineering rules is provided.

ContextEnterprise Information Systems Design

Variables

IVUse of an ontological model for EIS design

DVAdaptability, integration, and alignment of the EIS with organizational needs

CVComplexity of the enterprise, specific industry sector, chosen modeling notation

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a structured approach to complex system design.
+Promotes a deeper understanding of organizational processes.

Limitations

Creating a truly implementation-independent ontological model can be challenging and time-consuming, especially for complex organizations. The quality of the model heavily influences the success of the subsequent system design.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of this approach depends on the consistency and rigor applied in developing the ontological model. Validity is enhanced by demonstrating that the resulting EIS effectively supports the modeled business and information processes.

Think critically

To what extent can a purely 'implementation-independent' model truly exist in practice, given that the very act of defining processes often involves implicit assumptions about available tools or methods?

Design Principles

"Decouple system implementation from core business logic through abstract modeling."

This approach separates the core business and information processes from specific technological implementations. This allows for greater flexibility when system requirements or technologies change, reducing the cost and effort of future updates and integrations.

What This Means for Your Design

Think of an organization like a recipe. This research suggests creating the core recipe (the business and information processes) first, separate from the specific kitchen tools you'll use (the software and hardware). This way, if you get new tools, the recipe itself doesn't need to change, making it easier to adapt.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this research when discussing the importance of a conceptual or ontological model in your design process, particularly for complex systems.
2.Use the concept of implementation independence to justify your design choices and their potential longevity.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The design of enterprise information systems can be significantly enhanced by adopting an ontological modeling approach, as proposed by de Jong (2013). This method emphasizes the creation of implementation-independent models of core business and information processes. By first defining these fundamental aspects of an organization, designers can then develop enterprise information systems that are essentially specific implementations of this stable ontological foundation. This strategic decoupling ensures greater adaptability to technological shifts and a more direct alignment with evolving business needs, thereby improving the long-term viability and effectiveness of the system.

Source

Research Repository (Delft University of Technology)

A Method for Enterprise Ontology based Design of Enterprise Information Systems

journal · 2013

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about ontological modelling enhances enterprise information system design?: Adopt an ontological modeling approach to define the fundamental business and information processes of an enterprise before designing or updating its information systems. Evidence: Research Repository (Delft University of Technology) (2013).
Why does "Ontological Modelling Enhances Enterprise Information System Design" matter for design?: This approach separates the core business and information processes from specific technological implementations. This allows for greater flexibility when system requirements or technologies change, reducing the cost and effort of future updates and integrations.
How can designers apply this research?: Adopt an ontological modeling approach to define the fundamental business and information processes of an enterprise before designing or updating its information systems.
What were the main findings?: An ontological model provides a stable, implementation-independent representation of an enterprise's core functions.. Viewing EIS as an implementation scenario of an ontological model allows for better alignment with business needs.. A specification framework can guide the engineering process for EIS based on ontological models.
What research method was used?: Conceptual Framework Development.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2013 journal from Research Repository (Delft University of Technology).
What should I do differently in my next project?: Before embarking on an EIS project, create a detailed ontological model that defines the essential business and information processes, ensuring it is independent of any specific software or hardware.
What are the limitations?: The effectiveness of the ontological model depends on the thoroughness and accuracy of its creation. The complexity of large enterprises might pose challenges in developing comprehensive ontologies.