Paradigm Translations in Integrating Manufacturing Information Using a Meta-model: The TSER Approach

Abstract

Manufacturing information integration requires translations among various functional systems' information models which are based on different paradigms (e.g., Entity-Relationship, Relational, and Object). In order to facilitate this potentially overwhelming task, a meta-model is needed to serve as the conceptual schema for models integration at both development phase and run-time. This paper presents a particular framework for the concept and discusses the promises of the TSER (Two-Stage Entity-Relationship) model as a meta-model for Object-Oriented Methods, the Relational model, and Entity-Relationship models. The connections to the PDES/EXPRESS model are included.