| This thesis addresses the lack of (Computer Integrated Manufacturing Information Systems) CIMIS methods for structuring the systems development process. A review of the CIM literature suggests that this problem can be subdivided into eight smaller problems which are: (1) Confusing and narrow definitions of CIM; (2) The 'islands of automation' paradigm; (3) The lack of integration methods and approaches; (4) Ah hoc CIM development; (5) The lack of Standards; (6) The lack of understanding of CIM factors; (7) Bottom-up approaches and, (8) CIM as an emerging field.;To address these eight problems, this thesis is divided into three parts which are: a CIMIS framework, a CIMIS architecture, and action research. The CIMIS framework is used to identify and widen the discourse on integration factors that are important for systems development but are not readily discussed or addressed in research and practice. The framework is made up of three management levels which are: strategic, managerial, and operational. These are shown on the vertical axis. On the horizontal axis are five CIMIS aspects which are: task, technology, people, communication, and structure. The two axes account for fifteen cells each of which may contain one or more integration factors.;The CIMIS architecture is comprised of seven conceptual models. Each model addresses one or more of the integration factors which were identified using the framework. The seven models are developed in the five phases of Information Engineering (IE) which are: strategic analysis, business area analysis, logical, logical-to-physical transformation, and implementation. The models along with the five phases of IE provide the basis for a methodology that is useful for structuring the development of CIMIS. Each model represents a different view of reality, however the combined seven views are needed for the successful development of any CIMIS. The models were developed after a critical literature review of ten IE methods.;Action research provided the means for demonstrating the implementation of the architecture in an organization. This led to the CIMIS architecture being applied to a manufacturing site that manufactures printed circuit boards. |
