A method for constructing enterprise-wide access views on business objects

Abstract

Modern application landscapes consist of a multitude of inter-connected business applications exchanging data in manifold ways. These business applications are used by employees who take on several organizational roles. However, when broadening the scope to an enterprise-wide perspective, lack of clarity and uncertainty prevail regarding the questions which roles have access on which business applications as well as the business objects managed by them. In contrast to alternative approaches, e.g. single sign on, this paper focuses on the enterprise-wide availability of business objects. Motivated by a case study from the car manufacturing industry, this article describes a method to analyze and justify an enterprise-wide access matrix. Respective viewpoints are presented facilitating a business object access management on enterprise level. The method and concepts are further substantiated by means of the case study.