The use of knowledge management systems and Event-B modelling in a lean enterprise

Abstract

This paper provides a case study describing an approach to improving the efficiency of an information system (IS) by supporting processes outside the IS, using the ontology-driven knowledge management systems (KMS) as a mini-application in the area of so-called lean enterprise. Lean enterprise is focused on creating a maximal value for final customers while eliminating all kinds of waste and unnecessary costs, which significantly helps to increase the level of its competitiveness. It is about managerial decision-making, which can be in some cases contradictory (solving a local problem can cause a problem in another place). In this paper, we describe the KMS ATOM, which supports the innovation process in a lean enterprise. We show how the risk of wrong decisions due to contradictory effects can be eliminated by implementing a safety-critical system into the traditional IS. Our model is supported by Event-B modelling, a refinement-based formal modelling method, which is successfully used in important areas such as infrastructure, medicine, nuclear engineering and transportation (fire alarm systems, robotic surgery machines, braking systems in transportation, etc.). Nowadays, Event-B modelling is starting to be used for various management decision-making activities, and it is becoming a powerful competitiveness tool. This paper introduces a simple example of how Event-B modelling and its proof obligations can help improve and automate the decision-making process by eliminating potential threats of inefficient decisions.