The idea of semantic modeling offers enormous advantages over traditional methods. Using explicit semantics enables humans as well as computers to understand the meaning of the provided information. Furthermore, contextual information can be easily provided by linking to other semantic data by means of web technologies like URIs and HTTP.

The main objectives of the research group are

• the development of a cross-corporate data storage helping companies to share their information in loosely coupled project-based cooperations - so called Virtual Companies
  
• the provision of a unified and secure access to this information space using standardized interfaces
• the development of modeling methods especially for industrial data according to their specific requirements including selecting and developing of appropriate vocabularies

Therefore, our approaches are

• the use of standard technologies that have emerged in the web to provide the information in easy but secure way like HTTP, URI and the powerful query language SPARQL
  
• the use of semantic data modeling with respect to Linked Data
• the provision of data from legacy system as Linked Data by use of developed RDF converters
• the modeling of a realistic industrial plant environment called GZAT with its structural, dynamic and engineering data

The importance of mobile applications in mobile work flows is rapidly growing. Volatility and diversity of markets and technologies require tools for the development and maintenance of usable and future-proof mobile information systems.

The main objectives of the research group are

• the development of UI solutions for the maintenance of industrial plants
• the development of model driven tools for dynamic mobile application orchestration

Our approaches are

• the development of usability patterns
• the orchestration of limited-purpose applications
• user studies in a real-world industrial context

User-centered design (UCD) has been proven to improve the usability of interactive systems significantly. Usability testing is an essential part of the UCD toolbox. However, useful metrics and procedures for usability testing of mobile systems in complex collaborative workflows are still under development.

The main objectives of the research group are

• the development of useful metrics and procedures for usability testing in industrial environments

• the evaluation of Mobile Information Systems in complex collaborative workflows comprising rich interaction between the control room and the workers on-site

• the realisation of cost savings in the evaluation by model-driven scenario development with artificial environmental setups.

Therefore, our approaches are

• the development of comprehensive user and workflow models for industrial mobile maintenance

• the development of evaluation support tools for scenario-based usability testing in artificial environment setups

• the evaluation in realistic environments using our Usability in the Process Industries (UPI) Laboratory. This laboratory consists of a complete operational plant operator room and an operated test plant of industrial scale. Both areas are completely monitored and supervised by research equipment providing the unique opportunity to evaluate complex, interactive, collaborative mobile scenarios characteristic for the process industries domain.