Title: The configuration of a multi-agent-based inventory replenishment simulation system for RFID-enabled TFT-LCD supply chain

Authors: Shu-Jen Wang, Wei-Ling Wang, Shih-Fei Liu

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taiping City, Taichung County, Taiwan 411, ROC. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taiping City, Taichung County, Taiwan 411, ROC. ' DELAN Engineering Co. Ltd., Nan-Tou County, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: The research focuses on the design of the simulated function of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled multi-agent-based inventory replenishment system for a global supply chain of a Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid-Crystal-Display (TFT-LCD) manufacturer in Taiwan. A demand-driven multi-agent-based supply chain was modelled and simulated with the AnyLogicTM tool. The supply chain processes have been mimicked and activated by ten generic agents (e.g., RFID, order check, finished goods, stock unit control, etc.) in the simulation model. The automated inventory replenishment function adopting the continuous (s, S) policy is enabled with RFID-agent or not. Finally, the result of the experiment finds that the demand-driven, RFID-enabled, TFT-LCD supply chain can be achieved with a 3.67% greater decrease in the total inventory cost, including the RFID system cost.

Keywords: RFID; radio frequency identification; multi-agent systems; MAS; agent-based systems; DDSN; demand-driven supply network; inventory replenishment; simulation; supply chain management; SCM; thin film transistors; liquid crystal displays; TFT-LCD manufacture; Taiwan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRFITA.2009.025152

International Journal of Radio Frequency Identification Technology and Applications, 2009 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.195 - 215

Published online: 14 May 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article