Towards the Integration of Multi-Level and Multi-View Modelling for Interoperability

In large industries, interoperability issues often occur between different systems and at different abstraction levels within a system. The former is referred to as horizontal- and the latter as vertical interoperability. This paper proposes ways to improve interoperability using multi-level and multi-view modelling methods. Multi-level modelling maximizes the reuse of information at the high-level and reduces complexity at the same time by separation of concerns. Multi-view modelling also allows to reduce complexity by selecting a subset of model elements required by a stakeholder. Currently there is no effective modelling approach that can adequately combine both methods. In this paper, we propose a novel modelling approach that integrates multi-level and multi-view modelling to support the collaborative evolution of multi-level models by different stakeholders. We present the metamodel and a semi-formal definition of the approach and demonstrate its benefits in the context of a risk management case study from the energy industry.