Integration model

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The integration model describes the activity and the result of merging a further system element with a given system or merging two systems for a common purpose in such a way that there is added value for the original system or that there is added value for the newly created system compared to the previous individual systems.

classification

This integration model is a core model (model universal) for the system description.

concept

The focus of this integration model is on methods to simplify the integration of an entity into one system or the integration of two systems into a larger system. (The restriction to two partners does not restrict the applicability, since with a larger number of participants than two, the integration can either be broken down into steps of integrations by two partners each or entities can be grouped in such a way that two partners are integrated .)

As a core model, this integration model describes the basic concepts and relationships for the most diverse types of integration; Since integration is not just a technical term, the term and formulations up to and including the section “Integration: Openness” are not limited to technical systems. Then the integration-related terms modular system *, platform system * and modularity * of system technology are presented.

scope of application

This integration model applies, for example

  • for system technology (system integration for concept, planning, drafting, construction, manufacturing, operation, maintenance),
  • for system technology (software),
  • for the integration of services (e.g. in education),
  • for integration within business or administrative organizations,
  • for the integration of organizations after mergers, mergers or acquisitions,
  • for the integration of people ("newcomers") into a group *, community or organization.

The latter ranges from the integration of an individual or family after moving to a new residential environment, to the integration of an individual or several people in a different environment, to the acceptance and integration of masses after their migration into a foreign cultural area.

The mathematical integration of the integral calculus belongs under very fundamental considerations to the application area of ​​this integration model; However, integral calculus and other special integration terms in mathematics, statistics, and biology are not at the center of the application area considered, some of them may even extend beyond the application area considered here.

General specification

An integration is a special case of joining and stands out because

  1. the systems involved were already functional to the extent required for these systems before they were joined,
  2. the entities and systems involved have the opportunity (the persons and communities involved, the willingness) to integrate,
  3. the entities and systems involved cooperate after joining together for a common purpose *,
  4. the new overall system has added value compared to the previous state (in particular it offers greater benefits, e.g. more functions *, a greater scope for one or more functions, a greater selection of possible resources in terms of origin, production, functional principle, material, etc. ).

Integration is facilitated and supported by the ability to integrate, ie

  • through designated and defined * connection points * (input or output point, mouth, hand, contact point, contact, contact point, contact surface, starting point, connection, interface *, opening etc. etc.) and connecting elements * (language, relationship, handle, rod , Rivet, pipe, pipe, etc. etc.),
  • through defined and assigned functionalities * and - if necessary - defined dimensions for exchanging and fitting entities,
  • by determining * the type and scope of interaction (of empathy, communication, information - data / signals / input and output commands / results -, force, torque, impulse, energy or other physical or chemical effects, material / objects, people) Joints and fasteners.

Abilities or properties of system elements that are not required for the required functions of the overall system are irrelevant for integration capability.

Integration is hindered

  • due to missing or overestimated functionalities,
  • through reservations (e.g. fears, jealousies),
  • due to missing or inadequate connection points or connecting elements,
  • due to restrictions in connection points or connection elements (e.g. incomplete or different implementation of a specification),
  • due to a lack of, insufficient or insufficient ability to interact (e.g. common language).

Formal specification

integration

An entity intended for integration can be part of the higher-level areas

  • Person (both as a person in general or as an individual as well as a legal person) including his material and immaterial property,
  • Community including its social, cultural, organizational, economic and government institutions and aspects *,
  • Technology including all objects *, devices *, systems *, equipment, processes, plans and technical knowledge,
  • other human knowledge and ability,
  • other biological organisms and their capabilities,
  • other parts or aspects of a system environment * or nature as a whole.

For a formal representation, each integration can be traced back to the two extreme cases (see Figure 1)

  • Integration of a single simple entity (single component *, single person etc.) into a comparatively large (complex) system with one (n = 1) connecting element (here: line) and one (n = 1) connecting point (here: point)

and

  • Integration of two already large (complex) systems with n connecting elements (here: lines; n> 1) and n connecting points (here: points; n> 1) to form a new, even larger system.

Otherwise, the four conditions of the general specification apply to the interaction of entities and systems for a common purpose.

Image 1 - the two extreme integration tasks

The two systems 1 and 2 in Figure 1b will become subsystems * of this system after they have been integrated into the new, larger system 3.

Integration ability

The effort for integration and operation of the new overall system is lower, the simpler the integration, the greater the integration capability of the units to be integrated *.

The following levels can be assigned to the integration ability of the entities involved:

  • 0 = no joining possible
  • 1 = joining is only possible with connection points to be adapted and connection elements to be produced if necessary
  • 2 = Can be combined with existing connection points and possibly existing connection elements; the interaction still requires considerable adjustment effort
  • 3 = Can be combined with existing connection points and possibly assigned connection elements; the interaction still requires significant adjustment effort
  • 4 = Can be combined with existing connection points and possibly assigned connection elements; the interaction is fixed, requires only minor adjustment effort (beginning of an integration ability in the narrower sense);
  • 5 = Can be combined with existing connection points and possibly assigned connection elements; the merged entities are ready to work together (full integration capability; for components * also called "plug & play")

Integration: effort and benefit

Before any increase in the integration capability of a system element or an entire system, effort (costs) and benefits with increased and without increased integration capability must be weighed against each other - for each of the two entities involved in the integration and for the new overall system. This includes the respective effort for the production (concept, planning, draft, construction, manufacturing) of the two entities as well as the effort for the integration and operation (possibly including maintenance / maintenance and disposal / dismantling / further use) of the new overall system consider.

The higher costs for the production (concept, planning, drafting, construction, manufacturing) of the corresponding units to be integrated, which normally go hand in hand with a greater integration capability, can in turn be reduced
a) through simpler (more cost-effective) use of the units to be integrated through the larger ones Integration ability Desired lower effort for integration, maintenance or replacement (up to the ability to dismantle a system and reusability of system elements; not considered here).
b) and through greater possible uses (economies of scale),

  1. through flexibility * of the units to be integrated for usability in different systems (not considered here) or
  2. through openness (familiarity and similarity) of the expected ability to integrate in different systems that offer the same functions, and the resulting accessibility of these systems when adding a system element with another function, replacing a system element or expanding (strengthening) a function.

While with a and b1 the client, manufacturer and operator of a system with increased integration ability have a benefit, with b2 the operator has the benefit of the greater choice among several manufacturers, but a manufacturer in addition to the possibility of access to other matching and functionally identical systems also has the risk of that his own system is also accessible for supplementation, exchange or expansion - e.g. B. if his system or one of its system elements is not competitive.

Integration: openness

The following levels can be assigned to the openness of the integration ability of the entities involved, depending on the validity of the above levels 1 to 5 of the integration ability:

  • 0 = The above levels 1 to 5 of the integration capability only apply to one system (closed / internal / proprietary / manufacturer-specific integration capability), and this system is complete in its scope.
  • 1 = The above levels 1 to 5 of the integration capability only apply to one system (closed / internal / proprietary / manufacturer-specific integration capability), but this system is open in its scope.
  • 2 = The above levels 1 to 5 of the ability to integrate apply to several systems of one type (e.g. one manufacturer, one origin, one culture).
  • 3 = The above levels 1 to 5 of the ability to integrate apply to all possible systems of a type (e.g. a manufacturer, an origin, a culture).
  • 4 = The above levels 1 to 5 of the ability to integrate apply to all possible systems of several types (e.g. several manufacturers, several provenances, several cultures).
  • 5 = The above levels 1 to 5 of the ability to integrate apply to all possible systems of all possible species (e.g. all interested manufacturers, all provenances, all cultures): Complete openness; All details of the stipulations for the respective levels 1 to 5 of the integration ability are known and are followed accordingly.

System technology and integration

The following sections apply in particular to the field of technology, and here particularly to system technology. They introduce terms in the context of integration and integration; If they are not explained here, the respective definition can be found in Section 1.7.

Figure 2 shows the three dimensions of integration benefit, openness and integration ability together with special technical methods to achieve a certain integration ability. A = full interoperability *, I = interoperability, B = construction kit *, M = modular system *, P = platform *.

Picture 2 - Levels and dimensions of integration

Interoperability

With openness from level 4 and compliance with it and the ability to integrate from level 4, there is (extensive) interoperability in the technical area (deep dark gray box in the area {N; 4 ≤ O ≤ 5; 4 ≤ I ≤ 5} in Figure 2). With complete openness and compliance with it and with full integration capability (level 5 in each case), full interoperability is given (point A in Figure 2).

To illustrate interoperability, Figure 3 shows a system made up of three components (including their connecting points and connecting elements) from two different manufacturers (red and blue). The connection points are designed here as interfaces and as parts of the connecting elements; Connection points and connection elements are part of the associated components.

Figure 3 - Example of interoperability of modules * from different manufacturers (red and blue) within one system

Terms

First, a few terms should be used as a basis. Ranks of building units * (building blocks), as they can occur in the production of a system, are

  • Component *,
  • Component,
  • Assembly * / group,
  • Device,
  • Investment.

In addition to system elements, there are also entities in a system

  • Component,
  • Subsystem.

Construction kit

A first method for improving the integration capability of a system is the modular system. In Figure 2 the area of ​​a construction kit for a manufacturer is highlighted in light gray and delimited with a solid line: {N; 0 O 2; 2 ≤ I ≤ 5} with N = benefit - not specified here -, O = openness, I = ability to integrate. If the conditions for such a modular system are completely open and there are several manufacturers accordingly, the area delimited by a dashed line is added (so in total {N; 0 ≤ O ≤ 5; 2 ≤ I ≤ 5}). In the field of writing and software technology, a modular system corresponds to a library *.

platform

In the event that an entity can not only be used in different systems, but is even binding for use in different defined systems (of a similar type) (binding multiple use), one speaks of a platform, especially when extensive Integration capability is given and the platform conceals the subsystems below it within the framework of a system hierarchy * and builds the subsystems above on the platform (see Figure 4). Since such a restriction is normally only possible for one manufacturer or a very limited number of manufacturers, the corresponding dark gray box in Figure 2 is limited to the area {N; 2 O 4; 4 ≤ I ≤ 5}. It applies to all systems for which the same platform is intended (platform systems). If the platform were to be included as a single solution, as in architecture, the corresponding larger area {N; 0 O 4; 4 ≤ I ≤ 5} (not shown here).

The above description and Figure 4 apply to a system of a concept, a planning, a design, a construction. In the case of the implementation of the platform systems A, B and C shown in Figure 4, the same platform would appear three times. With a total of m-fold implementation of the platform systems A, B and C, the same platform would have to be implemented m-fold, ie multiple use of the same system element of a requirements system. (The indistinguishable rectangular shape of the subsystems in Figure 4 does not mean that these subsystems should all be of one type or even be the same.)

Fig. 4 Construction (here: three) of different systems A, B and C using a platform that is the same for all systems with N system elements that cover the subsystems below and on which the subsystems above are built

Modularity

One method that is supposed to facilitate and enable not only the production of a system, but also subsequent changes to a system, is modularity, ie the additional property of a modular system to be built entirely from modules (modular system).

This term has three different aspects:

  • the simplified possibility of adding a new system unit (modularity 1),
  • the simplified possibility of exchanging a system unit (modularity 2),
  • the simplified possibility of expanding the scope of a function of a system by adding a system unit with corresponding functionalities (modularity 3).

In all three cases a module can be a component, but does not have to be. With modularity 3, the expansion can take place both in one system (e.g. at one location; central) or in several systems (e.g. at different locations; decentralized). An example of this would be a modular power plant concept - be it for the construction of a larger central power plant from uniform power plants of smaller size (modules), or for the placement of such modules at different locations for the respective decentralized energy supply (possibly as a virtual power plant with uniform control).

Modularity can be assumed for the medium gray area, ie for {N; 0 O 5; 4 ≤ I ≤ 5}.

As with the modular system and platform system, modularity applies on the one hand to a modular system from which one can draw for the production of a system and the integration into or with a system, and on the other hand to the corresponding property of the implemented integrated overall system.

Model elements

Supplementary explanations to previous formulations in "Core models - description and examples" are written in italics below .

System: an individual device or the entirety of all interrelated devices and / or devices that have been assembled at a given location to fulfill a specified function, including all means for its satisfactory operation.

Aspect: Representation of a subset of properties of an object * or system that have a special or sole relevance for a description or application area with its models.

Building unit: unit under consideration, which is delimited according to structure or composition. Note: In IEV number 351-56-03 are also building element, component; Module; Device; Appendix listed as ranks.

Component:

  • Component that is an entity, or
  • Component that cannot be physically broken down into smaller parts without losing its specific functionality, or
  • an essential part of a facility that cannot be physically broken down into smaller parts without losing its specific functionality.

Assembly (group): a self-contained entity consisting of two or more components or assemblies of a lower order, which can usually be dismantled again.

Construction kit: Compilation (quantity, collection) of fixed units (also called building blocks) of a modular system, from which these can be taken for integration into (pre-planned or, to a certain extent, free) systems and with which, if necessary, individual different (pre-planned or, to a certain extent, have free) systems implemented

Modular principle: Concept for the draft, construction, design or implementation of systems that consist entirely or partially of modules of a modular system *

Modular system: System that is to be, will or has been designed, designed, constructed, designed or implemented according to the modular principle *

Component: inseparable object.

Library: a collection of textual or graphic objects or software components (and the associated location / building / container) that is planned and organized according to a uniform system

Black box: Component of which only the inputs and outputs and function and role * are known or are of interest

Unit s. Unit

Element s. Component

Entity: a conceptual or physical unit that is managed individually and whose life cycle is followed.

Flexibility: Ability to adapt systems to changing or changed conditions promptly and with little effort on the basis of internally available alternatives (see flexibility model )

Definition: coordinated, agreed, prescribed, standardized, specified, standardized or similar restriction of a selection option

Function: task, position or activity related to the overall goal or purpose within a larger whole.

Functionality: ability of a component to fulfill a certain function or group of functions (see DIN SPEC 40912; there, however, not part of the list of terms, but under 4.3.3 functional model as a model element)

Subject: thing of the physical world or the information world.

Device: an independent physical unit that is able to perform certain functions in a designated environment and an assigned context at the request of an operator or as a component of an industrial system (see DKE, AK 931.0.4; Christian Diedrich) group s. module

Hierarchy: directed, non-cyclical ordering scheme in a system in which in every relationship one element * is the hierarchically higher and the other element is the hierarchically lower.

Interoperability: Property of more complex system elements (components, assemblies, modules, subsystems) of different origins / origins to incorporate their functions in accordance with their role in the system without significant additional effort being required for integration into this system, especially with the associated connection points and connecting elements that can be used in conjunction with building blocks (especially components) of various origins

Core model: simple, model-like description of basic concepts and relationships that affect a general aspect of systems.

Component: prefabricated, self-structured and independently manageable unit, which is intended to implement a specific role in a system. Complemental description: The assigned role within the system also defines the type and manner of interaction.

Module: Entity of a modular system that is provided with fixed connection points (interfaces) and, if necessary, connecting elements so that they can be combined (integrated) with other modules of this modular system to form a separate system in a suitable and functional manner and interact with them without any special effort can

  1. Note 1: A module can, but does not have to be, also independently usable (ie, with regard to its functionalities, it cannot also be used independently as a device, and with regard to its role in the system, it cannot also be a component).
  2. Note 2: The structure of a module does not have to be known as long as its connection points and connection elements and the type and requirements of the exchange are known (black box *).
  3. Note 3: Unlike traditionally in architecture and architectural theory and mechanical engineering, and unlike in IEV number 581-25-14, a module is not defined here by defining a ratio (a division, a grid), but more generally by maintaining uniform ratios ( Connection options).

Modularity: Property of a modular system that is built entirely from modules (modular system)

Platform: Library or construction kit or part of the same with construction units that are defined for a similar structure of specified subsystems or systems (and in the case of a hierarchical system structure as intermediate subsystems can cover underlying system parts, but do not represent any further restriction for system parts above other than the connection points ).

Platform system: System that uses the same platform as other systems.

Role: element that on the one hand represents a realization unit in a model system (role system) and on the other hand specifies the requirements for a realization unit.

Interface: defined connection point for the one or more-sided transmission of data / signals / input and output commands / results

Subsystem (= subsystem): Part of a system that is a system in itself. Note: A subsystem in the strict sense is a subsystem that contains several components.

System: a set of interrelated elements that, in a certain context, are seen as a whole and are considered to be separated from their surroundings.

  1. Supplement 1: A system can be: a person, an object, a machine, a plant, a person's property, a community, culture and economy, an organization, society, a state, equipment, process, plans, knowledge, facts, (a part or parts of) nature, a group of it or a connection with and with one another.
  2. Supplement 2: Every composite component and every module can be viewed as a subsystem or system, and every subsystem as a component, module or system. Each system can be expanded from the system environment to become a subsystem.
  3. Supplement 3: Similar to role, a system can be both a compilation for further use (e.g. a concept or requirements) or a special implementation that is based on this compilation. This ambiguity applies to building block systems, platform systems and modular systems.

System element: Entity as part of a system

System hierarchy / hierarchical system structure s. Hierarchy*

System environment: Everything that is not assigned to the system under consideration, but can interact with it (e.g. lane in relation to a car, if only the car is viewed as a system). The system can be expanded to include parts of the system environment in order to produce a larger system. The original system is then a subsystem of the new system.

Part s. Component

Connection element: unit for the functional connection of two other units with each other

Connection point: starting point of an entity for a connection element and for the exchange of empathy, communication, information - data / signals / input and output commands / results -, force, torque, impulse, energy, material or other physical or chemical effects, people Note: In the case of fixed dimensions or dimensional relationships, a connection point can also be an interface.

Putting together: any kind of complementing, adding or adding, incorporating, incorporating, adding or assembling

Interaction: process between two or more entities; Depending on the type of entities and the process, also interaction, action, handover, reception, reaction, coupling or similar.

regulate

R1: The entities and systems involved must be able to integrate (the people involved, the willingness).

R2: (Full) integration capability requires prior coordination of all those involved with regard to the necessary specifications.

R3: In order to be capable of integration, the entities involved, their connecting points and the connecting elements must be designed in such a way that

  • the functions required for the new overall system are guaranteed;
  • other introduced but not required functionalities do not impair the required functions.

R4: When adding an entity to an existing system, this entity should bring the appropriate connecting element.

R5: (Full) open integration capability requires disclosure of all conditions required for connection and exchange (so detailed that hindering alternative solutions are not possible).

R6: In a modular system, the arrangement and functions of the modules should be clearly assigned and exchange types and routes should be clearly defined.

R7: Since a certain amount of planning and coordination is required for modularity, interoperability and platforms, as a counterweight for modules and platforms, in addition to flexibility, there is also speed for planned, foreseeable, or at the latest when necessary adjustments to changing or changed environmental conditions required.

R8: Before any increase in the integration capability of a system element or an entire system, the effort (costs) and benefits with or without increased integration capability must be weighed against each other.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ (Terms marked with an * are listed and defined in alphabetical order in the Model Elements section; however, an * is only added the first time the term appears.)
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h DIN SPEC 40912 "Core models - description and examples", October 2014
  3. ↑ IEV number 151-11-26 - Annex In: German online edition of the IEV
  4. ↑ IEV number 351-56-03 - construction unit In: German online edition of the IEV
  5. ↑ IEV number 151-11-21 - component In: German online edition of the IEV
  6. ↑ IEV number 426-15-05 - Component In: German online edition of the IEV
  7. ↑ quoted in: "Core models - description and examples", October 2014 ; 3.1 Terms - 3.1.5 Entity [SOURCE: DIN IEC 60050-191 "Unit under consideration"]; there also 4.1.2 entity model
  8. ↑ quoted in: "Core models - description and examples", October 2014 ; 3.1 Terms - 3.1.7 Function; there also 4.3.3 functional model
  9. ↑ IEV number 581-25-14 - Module In: German online edition of the IEV
  10. ↑ IEV number 192-01-04 - Subsystem In: German online edition of the IEV
  11. ↑ quoted in: DIN SPEC 40912, October 2014 ; Terms - 3.1.27 System [SOURCE: DIN IEC 60050-351]; also IEV number 351-42-08 - System In: German online edition of the IEV