Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture


Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture, or the Purdue model, is a 1990s reference model for enterprise architecture, developed by Theodore J. Williams and members of the Industry-Purdue University Consortium for Computer Integrated Manufacturing.

Overview

PERA is a reference architecture that can model the enterprise in multiple layers and in multiple stages of the architectural life cycle. Initially PERA was part of the PERA methodology, which consisted of three main building blocks:
  • Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture,
  • Purdue Reference Model, and
  • Purdue implementation procedures manual
PERA has been further developed, and according to Gary Rathwell, PERA nowadays consists of the following components:
Later in the 1990s combined insights from PERA, and other reference architectures such as GRAI Integrated Methodology, CIM-OSA, and TOVE has led to the development of the Generic Enterprise Reference Architecture and Methodology

Levels for enterprise integration

Purdue Reference Model, “95” provides a model for enterprise control, which end users, integrators and vendors can share in integrating applications at key layers in the enterprise:
  • Level 0 — The physical process — Defines the actual physical processes.
  • Level 1 — Intelligent devices — Sensing and manipulating the physical processes. Process sensors, analyzers, actuators and related instrumentation.
  • Level 2 — Control systems — Supervising, monitoring and controlling the physical processes. Real-time controls and software; DCS, human-machine interface ; supervisory control and data acquisition software.
  • Level 3 — Manufacturing operations systems — Managing production work flow to produce the desired products. Batch management; manufacturing execution/operations management systems ; laboratory, maintenance and plant performance management systems; data historians and related middleware. Time frame: shifts, hours, minutes, seconds.
  • Level 4 — Business logistics systems — Managing the business-related activities of the manufacturing operation. ERP is the primary system; establishes the basic plant production schedule, material use, shipping and inventory levels. Time frame: months, weeks, days, shifts.

    Publications

  • Peter Bernus and Laszlo Nemes "." Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems Vol 9. p. 179-191.
  • David Chen, Bruno Vallespir, and Guy Doumeingts. "GRAI integrated methodology and its mapping onto generic enterprise reference architecture and methodology." Computers in industry Vol 33. p. 387-394.
  • Theodore J. Williams The Purdue enterprise reference architecture: a technical guide for CIM planning and implementation. Research Triangle Park, NC: Instrument Society of America.
  • Theodore J. Williams "The Purdue enterprise reference architecture." Proceedings of the JSPE/IFIP TC5/WG5. 3 Workshop on the Design of Information Infrastructure Systems for Manufacturing. North-Holland Publishing Co.
  • Theodore J. Williams "The Purdue enterprise reference architecture." Computers in industry Vol 24. p. 141-158.