Study of Implementing Zachman Framework for Modeling Information Systems for Manufacturing Enterprises Aggregate Planning

Response time on orders of customers is becoming a critical issue to achieve a competitive advantage. A major problem is a lack of strategic perspective of information systems. A need for adequate tools and methodologies to model the system structure and to define integrated requirements is a must for the manufacturing enterprises. This paper presents a study of implementing Zachman Framework ZF to model information systems for aggregate planning activities within the manufacturing enterprises. An Information System for simulating the aggregate planning activities such as evaluating the various planes for determining the production rate, inventory levels, subcontracting and the required human resources is modeled. This is assumed to provide control over the order processes and reporting the orders status online. It is assumed that the customer can have access to the system to follow up with his order progressing status. Managers would have control on orders transactions, and workshop floor supervisors could monitor and control the orders processing online. Some artifacts are introduced to ZF to enhance its capability for modeling of information systems for Aggregate Planning in Manufacturing Enterprises.