Modeling reconfigurable information systems by using an executable algebraic framework

The new generation information systems demand higher quality integration of applied physical aspect and corresponding information aspect. Reconfigurability is addressed as a key property to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing physical context. Actually, the modern information systems such as reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) and business process management (BPM) systems demand a high degree of reconfigurability, which requires systems that are built on properties of modularity, flexibility and scalability. We argue that algebraic languages are particularly suitable as a system analytical framework for constructing and implementing a modular, flexible and scalable information system. This paper presents an algebraic framework called algebra of systems (AoS) and the associated supporting modeling tool called object-process networks (OPN). The framework suggests an integration of actions and interactions between the referred physical and information aspects through a process-driven viewpoint, in order to automate and speed up information system reconfigurability analyzing and modeling phases.