A federated ERP system is an ERP system whose components are distributed within a network of computers. In this way, the overall functionality is provided by an ensemble of related subsystems, which appears to the end user as a holistic overall system. By splitting the ERP system into subsystems, cross-manufacturer development and provision is made possible.

The development of ERP systems is currently product-orientated and is coordinated by one instance in each case. Each product therefore has a separate data model, which is used to integrate different types of application systems. Based on this fact, the selection of both the business areas covered and the functions ultimately implemented in an ERP system is also controlled by the respective manufacturer. Corresponding extensions or modifications to the standard product are therefore the responsibility of the manufacturers. Various entrepreneurial motives, such as economic situation, lack of expertise, strategic objectives or unwillingness to co-operate, are currently decisive for the mostly compromise-driven orchestration of ERP system components. The cross-manufacturer standardisation of a data model for ERP systems and the creation of a uniform architecture model will change this situation in favour of the processability of scientific findings. Theoretically, this enables a cross-manufacturer composition of ERP functions, the coordination of which can be customised independently of the manufacturer.

The aim of the Diplom thesis is the conception and realisation of a prototypical architecture for federated ERP systems. The topic includes both theoretical and practical subtasks, which can be divided into the following two main areas:

• Scientific investigation of various architecture model proposals and selection of a suitable solution
• Prototypical implementation of the model through the use of standards

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