Ontology-Based Information Integration in the Automotive Industry

Information integration is still one of today's hottest IT topics. Neither merging the information from different data sources nor preparing it for the end user's access has been completely solved. The goal of this paper is to present a holistic approach to integration by using ontologies and logic. There are several reasons for an ontology-based approach: Ontologies are able to cover all occurring data structures, for ontologies can be seen as nowadays most advanced knowledge representation model. They are able to cover complexity, for the combination with deductive logic extends the mapping and business logic capabilities. As the model is separated from the data storage, we get a higher degree of abstraction, whereby the semantics of the whole system is increased. Ontologies are extendible and highly reusable and deliver the user a better access to his relevant content. In this paper we describe how current capabilities of knowledge representation, mapping of structures and description of the business logic are extended. In an elaborated case study of a specific R&D process in the automobile industry [Ste03] we demonstrate that the complex integration process can be realized much easier, faster, more understandable and less expensive than before, without changing the existing IT legacy environment.

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