Using Reference Models for Data Warehouse Metadata Management

Based on experience from applying the Common Warehouse Metamodel to metadata management at a large Swiss bank, the applicability of metadata reference models in complex application domains is analyzed. In order to explain the context of the case, the state-of-the-art of the Common Warehouse Metamodel and its application for data warehouse management are summarized. Based on the project experience documented in this paper, benefits of the reference model approach are described and recommendations for future developments of the Common Warehouse Metamodel are proposed

A family of experiments to validate measures for UML activity diagrams of ETL processes in data warehouses

In data warehousing, Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes are in charge of extracting the data from the data sources that will be contained in the data warehouse. Their design and maintenance is thus a cornerstone in any data warehouse development project. Due to their relevance, the quality of these processes should be formally assessed early in the development in order to avoid populating the data warehouse with incorrect data. To this end, this paper presents a set of measures with which to evaluate the structural complexity of ETL process models at the conceptual level. This study is, moreover, accompanied by the application of formal frameworks and a family of experiments whose aim is to theoretical and empirically validate the proposed measures, respectively. Our experiments show that the use of these measures can aid designers to predict the effort associated with the maintenance tasks of ETL processes and to make ETL process models more usable. Our work is based on Unified Modeling Language (UML) activity diagrams for modeling ETL processes, and on the Framework for the Modeling and Evaluation of Software Processes (FMESP) framework for the definition and validation of the measures.In data warehousing, Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes are in charge of extracting the data from the data sources that will be contained in the data warehouse. Their design and maintenance is thus a cornerstone in any data warehouse development project. Due to their relevance, the quality of these processes should be formally assessed early in the development in order to avoid populating the data warehouse with incorrect data. To this end, this paper presents a set of measures with which to evaluate the structural complexity of ETL process models at the conceptual level. This study is, moreover, accompanied by the application of formal frameworks and a family of experiments whose aim is to theoretical and empirically validate the proposed measures, respectively. Our experiments show that the use of these measures can aid designers to predict the effort associated with the maintenance tasks of ETL processes and to make ETL process models more usable. Our work is based on Unified Modeling Language (UML) activity diagrams for modeling ETL processes, and on the Framework for the Modeling and Evaluation of Software Processes (FMESP) framework for the definition and validation of the measures

Module-based quality system functionality evaluation in production logistics

Purpose: This paper addresses a comprehensive modeling and functionality evaluation of a module-based quality system in production logistics at the highest domain abstract level of business processes. Design/methodology/approach: All domain quality business processes and quality data transactions are modeled using BPMN and UML tools and standards at the business process and data modeling. A modular web-based prototype is developed to evaluate the models addressing the quality information system functionality requirements and modularity in production logistics through data scenarios and data queries. Findings: Using the object-oriented technique in design at the highest domain level, the proposed models are subject further development in the lower levels for the implementing case. The models are specifically able to manipulate all quality operations including remedy and control in a lot-based make-to-order production logistics system as an individual module. Practical implications: Due to the specification of system as domain design structure, all proposed BPMs, data models, and the actual database prototype are seen referential if not a solution as a practical “to-be” quality business process re-engineering template. Originality/value: this paper sets out to provide an explanatory approach using different practical technique at modeling steps as well as the prototype implementation.Peer Reviewe

Verifying goal-oriented specifications used in model-driven development processes

[EN] Goal-oriented requirements engineering promotes the use of goals to elicit, elaborate, structure, specify, analyze, negotiate, document, and modify requirements. Thus, goal-oriented specifications are essential for capturing the objectives that the system to be developed should achieve. However, the application of goal oriented specifications into model-driven development (MDD) processes is still handcrafted, not aligned in the automated flow from models to code. In other words, the experience of analysts and designers is necessary to manually transform the input goal-oriented models into system models for code generation (models compilation). Some authors have proposed guidelines to facilitate and partially automate this translation, but there is a lack of techniques to assess the adequacy of goal-oriented models as starting point of MDD processes. In this paper, we present and evaluate a verification approach that guarantees the automatic, correct, and complete transformation of goal-oriented models into design models used by specific MDD solutions. In particular, this approach has been put into practice by adopting a well-known goal-oriented modeling approach, the i* framework, and an industrial MDD solution called Integranova.This work has been developed with the support of FONDECYT under the projects AMoDDI 11130583 and TESTMODE 11121395.This work is also supported by EOSSAC project, funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of the Spanish government (TIN2013-44641-P).Giachetti Herrera, GA.; Marín, B.; López, L.; Franch, X.; Pastor López, O. (2017). Verifying goal-oriented specifications used in model-driven development processes. Information Systems. 64:41-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.is.2016.06.011S41626

NDT-Suite: A Methodological Tool Solution in the Model-Driven Engineering Paradigm

Although the Model-Driven paradigm is being accepted in the research environment as a very useful and powerful option for effective software development, its real application in the enter prise context is still a challenge for software engineering. Several causes can be stacked out, but one of them can be the lack of tool support for the efficient application of this paradigm. This pa per presents a set of tools, grouped in a suite named NDT-Suite, which under the Model-Driven paradigm offer a suitable solution for software development. These tools explore different options that this paradigm can improve such as, development, quality assurance or requirement treat ment. Besides, this paper analyses how they are being successfully applied in the industryMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovación TIN2013-46928-C3-3-RJunta de Andalucía TIC-578

Artificial Intelligence in a Main Warehouse in Panasonic: Los Indios, Texas

The Panasonic Company warehouse is located in Los Indios Texas. The warehouse presents the limitation of the great distances between its headquarters and the Main Warehouse for supplying the branches and main customers, which requires a considerable amount of time to maintain effective communication in the inventory area. In addition, during an online review, it can be confirmed that the website is disabled, contradicting its corporate policy. The structure of the thesis proposal is arranged in four chapters from the Introduction, Statement of the Problem and Purposes; Previous Studies and Definition of the literature; the Research Methodology and the resources for data collection, the results, the proposal, and the conclusions. This paper ends with a list of references from different substantial sources that facilitated the research

A Reference Architecture for a Workflow Management System Front End Designed for Augmented Reality Headsets

A well-known approach to managing and controlling workflows in organizations is the workflow management system (WFMS). Recently, approaches utilizing augmented reality headsets as WFMS front ends have been discussed, promising higher efficiency, effectiveness, and usability for certain application scenarios. However, existing design-oriented approaches lack actionable guidance for implementation. A well-known approach to address such knowledge gaps is a reference architecture, which inter alia reduces development times and risks and facilitates collaboration between developers. Based on an existing tentative design theory for an augmented reality-based WFMS front end, we contribute a reference architecture containing an extended design theory, user interface design, and models for use cases, components, classes, and sequence flows in the unified modeling language. The reference architecture was successfully operationalized in a prototype and positively evaluated via a survey of potential users

A Domain-Specific Modelling Language for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a strategic critical subject in many business processes, since enterprises not only need to provide good products or services, but they also have to demonstrate that they are environmentally and socially responsible. In this context, enterprises should use appropriate computer systems in order to manage CSR ensuring the adoption of best practices with the aim of obtaining competitive advantages. On the other hand, Model-Driven Engineering is a proven and accepted paradigm that provides sound mechanisms to develop quality and reliable computer systems in an efficient way starting from business models. The main results presented in this paper are a CSR Metamodel and a CSR UML profile that provide a Domain-Specific Modelling Language (DSML) to represent CSR. This DSML supports the design of CSR Computer Independent Models (CIM) that are the starting point for Model-Driven Engineering development. To propose this DSML to represent CSR we analysed international standards, guides and regulations on CSR and we reviewed CSR strategies developed by different companies in order to define the artifacts of the CSR Metamodel. Finally, a practical case study using this DSML is provided in order to improve and to validate the defined CSR Metamodel, and to show how to apply the proposal in an actual company