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This paper proposes an enterprise modelling language (EML) for model-based shop floor control. To introduce a new computer executable modelling language, two modelling frameworks were analysed, namely the CIMOSA and GERAM frameworks. This language covers the different life cycle phases of enterprise modelling (design, implementation and operation), allowing an easy and fast transition from each phase to the next. In the operation phase the models can be used to control and monitor (on-line) the enterprise resources behaviour. Section 3 presents an example of an operational model, based on the proposed EML, for real-time enterprise activity control. Despite the fact that the proposed modelling language does not intend to be a full CIMOSA compliant language, it could easily be a first step in that direction. Section 4 tries to validate this hypothesis by showing how a CIMOSA model (functional view), could be built based on the proposed EML.

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The COBIP UR4003 Project is running under the EC Telematics Application Programme and aims at demonstrating the usage of workflow tools in the management of telework decentralized activities. This paper presents an overview of the COBIP system, and its pilot implementation at TECNOTRON head offices in Lisbon.

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This paper focuses on the telework support to the so-called Small Information-based Organisations, where all activities involve information processing and transfer, usually among sub-contracted teleworkers. Most of these companies run by managing multiple parallel projects, i.e. one-of-a-kind business processes, each project usually involving remote activity execution by teleworkers. There is therefore a clear demand for workflow management systems supporting telework, featuring facilities that further enhance traditional office automation systems by filling the required support to geographically distributed co-operative work. The work presented was undertaken during a telework workflow management system requirements' specification, to support the so-called Small Information-based Organisations. To this end, we analysed the virtual enterprise life cycle, identifying the required modelling tool types for each of the required steps. The consecutive project steps from project planning to co-ordination were then identified, with special relevance to the definition of the so-called execution primitives and to the support of human interaction through the speech-act theory. This approach allowed the description of a consistent life-cycle approach from project planning to coordination.