Modeling an enterprise: Lessons from the field

A model is a representation of reality. Details that are unnecessary are not included is the rule in most modeling efforts. This paper provides an overview of enterprise modeling including a description of the three categories of processes and a description of two IDEF methods. A discussion of multiple views of an enterprise and a description of the modeling process using a kit approach is provided. A survey of the many different participants in the three modeling efforts with Northrop Grumman Aerostructures Business Area and the Automation & Robotics Research Institute provided several benefits, problems, and lessons learned with enterprise models.