Title: Application of the multi-agent approach in just-in-time production control system

Authors: Ruey-Shun Chen, Kun-Yung 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: Although the computerised information system is conventionally used in production control, applying a manual-driven approach and improper logistics assignments typically lead to lower operating efficiency and a slower customer service response time. This study presents an experimental multi-agent system mobile enterprise information portal (MEIP), developed for real-time production controlling across the intra-/inter-organisational supply system. A new formalism called tri-base model of the multi-agent communication/negotiation mechanism is employed to simulate the just-in-time (JIT) control manufacturing system. Several novel technical devices such as mobile agent system, two-dimensional (2D) barcode system, etc., are used to establish the real-time data capture and communication system. The findings of the case study indicate that the experimental multi-agent system can respond to the status of the production line in real time. This can help the production controller making an effect decision.

Keywords: multi-agent; just-in-time; web-base; supply chain; electronic Kanban.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2003.000336

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2003 Vol.17 No.2, pp.90-100

Published online: 16 Jul 2003 *

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