Economic Models - Convex Optimization

Enterprise Modeling and Integration 131
Of course, these requirements can be analyzed further and in detail, but
such a discussion would be beyond the scope of this paper. Still, we also
find that these requirements are suffice to set out an agenda for further work
in the domain of EI and EI modeling.
6. Discussion
At the current state of technology, we find that EM and integration are
becoming familiar within the large enterprises that seem to understand the
need of acquiring their concept. However, in accordance with Williams
(1994) we also find that the reason for the moderate success and rather not
so extended use of EM and integration initiatives include:
(a) Cost: It is commonly accepted that such efforts are very expensive and
it is rather difficult to argue on the benefits of the outcome from the
beginning of each project.
(b) Project size and duration: Indeed, such projects cannot be completed
but they require time. Quite a large number of people will be involved
and high levels of commitment on behalf of the enterprise are required.
(c) Complexity: EI is a never-ending process and parameters such as the
legacy systems within large enterprises resisting integration have to
be seriously considered. There is the need for a global vision with a
modular implementation approach.
(d) Management support: Management facing high cost may resent to support
such projects. It is very important that management be part of the
project and be fully committed to it.
(e) Skilled people: The human factor concerning high-skilled employees
involved in the projects is vital for success. Unfortunately, due to limited
training schemes experienced users are scarce.
Nevertheless, the enthusiasm of the research community and the industry
remains intact trying to overcome problems and difficulties by creating
tools and adopting methodology that will make a difference. Nowadays,
EM and integration mostly rely upon advanced computer networks, the
worldwide web and Internet, integration platforms as well as ERPs, and
data exchange formats (Chen and Vernadat, 2002; Martin et al., 2004).
A big issue is that both EM and EI are nearly totally ignored by SME’s
and there is still a long way to go before SME’s will master these techniques
on their own and in this case, they have to quickly catch on the technology
and define which tools they have to use.