The expert systems equivalent of a record. In a case frame-knowledge
representation it is a case frame. In a semantic net-knowledge representation
it is a node.
Object-Oriented Programming
Programming that focuses on individual program units (objects) consisting
of instruction and data rather than on procedures.
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
A method of collecting data involving the optical scanning of hand printed
or special character fonts. If handwritten, the information typically must
adhere to pre-defined rules of size, format and location on the form.
ODA (Office Document Architecture)
An international standard for the interchange of documents that may
contain text, graphics, image and data material.
ODF (Optical Distribution Frame)
A hardware component designed to terminate and interconnect fiber optic cables.
ODBMS (Object Oriented DBMS)
A Database Management System that takes the concepts of object-oriented
programming and applies them to the management of persistent objects on behalf
of multiple users, with capabilities for security, integrity, recovery and
contention management, while also providing acceptable performance.
ODIF (Office Document Interchange Format)
The format of the data stream used to interchange documents in accordance
with ODA.
OOP (Object-Oriented Programming)
A style of programming characterized by the identification of classes of
objects closely linked with the methods (functions) with which they are
associated, thus leading to information hiding. It also includes ideas of
inheritance of attributes and methods.
Open Loop System
A control system which has no automatic means of comparing the output with
the input; i.e., there is no feedback.
Open System
A system that obeys public standards in its communication with other
systems and/or between layers.
Operating Capacity
The capacity or throughput of a particular operation.
Operating Conditions
Calculated optimum process operating conditions and targets.
Operating Costs
Total operating costs = maintenance + engineering + operation + raw
material + energy + looser costs.
Operating System
(1) Software which controls the execution of computer programs and which
may provide scheduling, debugging, input/output control, accounting
compilation, storage assignment, data management and related services. (2) The
master control program of a computer that controls all hardware activity.
Operator
(1) In the description of a process, that which indicates the action to be
performed on operands. (2) A person who operates a machine or computer.
Opportunity Cost
The return on capital that could have resulted had the capital been used
for some purpose other than its present use. Sometimes refers to the best
alternative use of the capital; at other times to the average return from a
feasible alternative.
Optimization
A method by which a process is continually adjusted to the best obtainable
set of operating conditions.
Order Information
Information on accepted order (confirmation, due date, changes...).
Orders Inquiries
Request for information on product or formal purchase order.
Order Traceability
A production order that travels with the job and may include a route,
blueprint, material requisition, move tickets, time tickets, etc. [APIC]. This
is also used to collect data.
Organization
(1) The classification or groupings of the activities of an enterprise for
the purpose of administrating them. Division of work to be done into defined
tasks along with the assignment of these tasks to individuals or groups of
individuals qualified for their efficient accomplishment. (2) Determining the
necessary activities and positions within an enterprise, department or group,
arranging them into the best functional relationships, clearly defining the
authority, responsibilities and duties of each and assigning them to
individuals so that the available effort can be effectively and systematically
applied and coordinated.
OSI
Open System Interconnect. A logical structure for network operations using
seven layers as defined by the ISO. It defines network protocol standards to
enable any OSI, compatible computer or device to communicate with any other
OSI compliant computer or device for information exchange.
OSI Reference Model
A seven-layer model of communications networks defined by ISO. The seven
layers are:
Layer 7 - Application: Provides the interface for the application to
access the OSI environment.
Layer 6 - Presentation: Provides for data conversion to preserve the
meaning of the data.
Layer 3 - Network: Provides routing of data through the network.
Layer 2 - Data Link: Provides link access control and reliability.
Layer 1 - Physical: Provides an interface to the physical
medium.
OTN (Optical Transport Network)
Fiber Optic Transmission system. ( See SDH )
Overhead Costs
Costs incurred in the operation of a business that cannot be directly
related to individual products or services. These costs, such as light, heat,
supervision and maintenance, are grouped in several pools (department
overhead, factory overhead, general overhead) and are distributed to units of
product or service by some standard method, such as direct labor hours, direct
labor dollars, direct materials dollars. [APIC].Costs of non-productive
services (accounting, administration, management, etc.).