An integrated approach to implement Project Management Information Systems within the Extended Enterprise

Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) are software applications that help managers track projects from their conception to their execution. They provide them with pertinent information and collaborative tools. Currently, most businesses use disconnected instruments which are not designed for managing complex projects. Increases in complexity, both due to the extent of scope and the fact that the users who contribute to the decision making process are physically separated, have led to initiatives that deal with cooperation, teamwork and continuous improvement. This work presents an integrated approach to improve PMIS applicability within the Extended Enterprise. The study regards the definition and the building of a management framework where planning, scheduling, and communicating are made immediate and effective by the adoption of common standards, shared communication and appropriate software tools for the management of whole Supply Chains. The proposed approach has been successfully applied within the shipbuilding industry.

► PMIS are described and their strengths and weaknesses are discussed. ► The Extended Enterprise and the SCEM tools that help optimizing it are discussed. ► A new approach that uses web-based collaborative technologies is proposed. ► The approach enhances the understanding of processes and helps detecting issues. ► An event driven Control Tower manages the alerts ensuring they are not ignored.