Title: Intelligent warehousing management systems using multi-agent

Authors: R.-S. Chen, K.-Y. Lu, C.C. Chang

Addresses: Institute of Information Management, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta Hsueh Road, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China. Institute of Information Management, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta Hsueh Road, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China. Institute of Information Management, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta Hsueh Road, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, Republic of China.

Abstract: This paper presents an agent-driven with automatic data capturing approach to support warehousing management that involves issuing shipping schedules, allocating the storage spaces, and arranging the order-picking routes. Some heuristic working rules based on class-based allocation principles in accordance with the bill of materials (BOM) are applied to guide multi-agent processing the warehousing transactions. A two-dimensional (2D) barcode systems, PDF417, is set up to identify the storage spaces and the stocks such that the picker can use a notebook with barcode reader to diagram the picking routes and automatic capture the data of picking parts. That makes the picking tasks much easier as it does not rely on the dedicated picker. A WEB-based information system is constructed to exchange the related messages. The purchasing orders and shipping lists are formed as XML/EDI formats and interchanged through the internet; and internal data are transacted via intranet under a client–server system. By using the presented approaches, data transaction will be more accurate and real-timed. Moreover, warehouse spaces are used flexibly and efficiently, logistics costs are reduced, and services for customers are responded to quickly.

Keywords: intelligent warehousing management system; multi-agent; spaces allocation and assignment; two-dimensional barcode.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2003.000325

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2003 Vol.16 No.4, pp.194-201

Published online: 16 Jul 2003 *

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