Using abstractions to build standardized components for enterprise models

Architectural methods, such as information engineering, are the most comprehensive and intellectually rigorous means of information systems planning. Despite their many virtues though, there remain difficulties with both their theory and their practice. In particular, there are numerous problems associated with enterprise modeling which is at the heart of these methods. Current techniques are inflexible, cumbersome, and lack theoretical underpinning. But, most of all, they are laborious and time-consuming. One reason why enterprise modeling takes so long is that traditional techniques begin with 'a blank sheet of paper'. Instead it might be possible to use standardized components in order to compile a draft model. Since these components may be used again and again, they need a rigorous basis. Object-oriented notations supply an ideal foundation for describing the components because they support reuse by means of inheritance.<>