RAMS
The Requirements Analysis for Manufacturing Systems (RAMS) is a company analysis method developed by Digital Equipment.
RAMS is a modeled procedure for viewing and evaluating the integration potential of information technology and for developing solution scenarios for the requirements of information systems. The result is a requirements specification that ensures the coordination of business objectives, business procedures, information flows, and information systems.
The model represents all departments, activities, and existing applications to be considered on a diagonal. The diagonal is supplemented in matrix form by the most important information flows between individual functional units. Important goods, money, or material flows are added as needed.
Procedure model of a RAMS study:
1. Step 1: The first step is the definition of expected study results, the naming of the participants involved, and an initial time schedule.
2. Step 2: The second phase starts with the selection of individual departments, activities, and existing applications that will be examined during the study. They are represented on a diagonal matrix that should also indicate the most important information flows between individual functional units. If required, important goods, money, or material flows have to be added and made visible. In addition, the departments or functions must be specified for which a detailed requirements analysis is to be performed.
3. Step 3: After the scope of the study has been defined, the selected departments or function groups will be analyzed in detail with regard to their business objectives and processes as well as tasks and related information requirements. The creative use of drawings and illustrations makes complex processes or procedures easier to understand. Frequently, original business forms, reports, or screens are used to clarify aspects. An important task of this analysis is to discover possible irregularities in the information flow and business procedure interrelationships in existing activities and systems. Improvement potential of existing activities and systems is also examined. During the analysis, problems, questions, and suggestions for the best possible solutions are presented. Subsequently, the information gathered is structured and examined in detail in terms of its causes and effects relating to business activities. If improvement potential emerges, it is recorded and its benefit evaluated.
4. Step 4: The results of this detailed actual analysis are now used as a basis for the following requirements specification. The problem areas are now clearly outlined, and new ideas and alternative solutions can be developed for them. It is important that suggested solutions - which can range from complex systems to simple process changes - are always closely related to the previously recorded initial situation. This comparison with the initial situation must be performed for all functions and activities in the relevant areas. The result of the study may be the confirmation that generic solutions are practicable, or may be the creation and synchronization of user requirements.
5. Step 5: The results collected during each step of the analysis will be incorporated in the formulation of the final requirements specifications. All information, detailed examinations, and suggestions compiled in the course of the study are summarized in a final report and establish the basis for future system requirements. The next solution implementation step is a functional system specification.
