Authors:
Tommi Kähkönen
1
and
Kari Smolander
2
Affiliations:
1
Enevo Oy, Finland
;
2
Aalto University, Finland
Keyword(s):
Enterprise Systems, Integration, Governance, Process, Grounded Theory, Manufacturing Enterprise.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Databases and Information Systems Integration
;
e-Business
;
Enterprise Engineering
;
Enterprise Information Systems
;
Enterprise Resource Planning
;
Enterprise Software Technologies
;
Organisational Issues on Systems Integration
;
Simulation and Modeling
;
Simulation Tools and Platforms
;
Software Engineering
Abstract:
New service combinations are constantly needed to be created from the array of information systems and
technologies, developed in different times for different purposes, crossing the organizational boundaries.
Integration is the key matter in organizations, yet it is also an ambiguous and often a misunderstood concept
in the field of information systems. In this paper, we construct an integration process from an inductive study
in a large manufacturing enterprise, by examining its long-term ERP development endeavour. The process
consists of four sub-processes with dedicated actors and activities. Integration Governance is needed to align
Integration Realization with the strategic goals of the organization. Integration Housekeeping is dedicated to
standardization activities and keeping the architectural description of the enterprise systems’ landscape
updated, and to aid Realization. By utilizing the assets produced by Governance and Housekeeping Integration
Evaluation is don
e to decide whether it is feasible to set up an integration project or abandon the initiative.
The process helps managers to manage the complexity of enterprise systems integration and avoid its pitfalls.
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