Semantically Modeled Databases in Integrated Enterprise Information Systems

Abstract

Semantically modeled databases require their component objects to correspond closely to real world phenomena and preclude the use of artifacts as system primitives (Dunn and McCarthy, 1997). Enterprise information systems (also known as enterprise resource planning systems) based on semantically modeled databases allow for full integration of all system components and facilitate the flexible use of information by decision-makers. Researchers have advocated semantically designed information systems because they provide benefits to individual decision-makers (Dunn and Grabski, 1998, 2000), they facilitate organizational productivity and inter-organizational communication (Cherrington et al., 1996; David, 1995; Geerts and McCarthy, 2002), and they allow the database to evolve as the enterprise does through time (Abrial, 1974).