Multiagent Based Supply Chain Management

by Chaib-Draa, Brahim; Muller, Jorg P.

• ISBN13: 9783540338758
• ISBN10: 3540338756
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-08-15
• Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York Inc

Summary

The area intersecting supply chains management with multiagent systems has attracted in the last decade books, workshops, conferences, etc. Recently however, multiagent systems have became more formal borrowing from operations research, game theory and other facets from distributed decision making. The authors takes a close look at what has been done recently in the field of supply chain management using agent technology and more specifically multiagent systems. The book contains sixteen chapters organized in four main parts; Introductory Papers; Multiagent Based Supply Chain Modeling, Collaboration and Coordination Between Agents in a Supply Chain and Multiagent Based Supply Chain Management: Applications. This book is intended as reference material for researchers, graduate students, and practitioners alike who are interested in pursuing research and development in this area, and who need for that, a comprehensive view of the existing literature, and some ideas for future directions.

Table of Contents

Supply Chain Management and Multiagent Systems: An Overview
Thierry Moyaux, Brahim Chaib-draa, Sophie D'Amours	1	(28)
1 Introduction	1	(1)
2 Supply Chain Management	2	(5)
2.1 Industrial Problems in General	2	(1)
2.2 A Particular Example of Industrial Problems: The Bullwhip Effect	2	(2)
2.3 The Concept of Supply Chains as a Solution	4	(1)
2.4 Collaboration in Supply Chains	5	(2)
2.5 Supporting Technologies	7	(1)
3 Multi-Agent Systems	7	(7)
3.1 The Concept of Agents	7	(1)
3.2 Comparison with Objects	8	(1)
3.3 Agent Architectures	8	(2)
3.4 Motivations for Multi-Agent Systems	10	(1)
3.5 Differences between Multi-Agent Systems and Other Fields	11	(1)
3.6 Some Applications of Multi-Agent Systems	12	(2)
4 Multi-Agent Systems in Supply Chain Management	14	(7)
4.1 Information Technologies in Supply Chain Management	15	(1)
4.2 Using Multi-Agent Systems in Supply Chain Management: Motivations	16	(2)
4.3 Using Multi-Agent Systems in Supply Chains: Examples	18	(3)
5 Conclusion	21	(1)
6 Acknowledgment	21	(1)
References	21	(8)
eMarketPlace Model: An Architecture for Collaborative Supply Chain Management and Integration
Hamada Ghenniwa, Jiangbo Dang, Michael Huhns, Weiming Shen	29	(34)
1 Introduction	29	(2)
2 eBusiness Models	31	(1)
3 eMarketplaces: Requirements Analysis and Design Issues	32	(4)
3.1 Market Structure and Economy Model	32	(1)
3.2 Supply Chain Management and Integration	33	(2)
3.3 Foundation Architecture for Integration	35	(1)
4 Business-Centric Knowledge-Oriented Architecture	36	(2)
5 BCKOA-based eMarketplace	38	(2)
6 Agent-Oriented eMarketplace Model	40	(3)
7 Multi-Attribute Negotiation Service: Coalition Deal Negotiation Model	43	(3)
8 eAuction Market Service	46	(5)
8.1 The Auction Market System Architecture	46	(1)
8.2 Market Session: Vickrey Auction	47	(2)
8.2.1 Auction Session Module	49	(1)
8.2.2 Agent Architecture	50	(1)
9 Agent-Based Supply Chain Integration Service	51	(3)
10 Prototype Implementation	54	(3)
10.1 Auctioneer-Agent	55	(2)
10.2 Bidder-Agent	57	(1)
10.3 Supplier-Agent	57	(1)
11 Related Work and Discussion	57	(2)
12 Conclusions	59	(1)
Acknowledgements	60	(1)
References	60	(3)
Software Agents for Electronic Business: Opportunities and Challenges (2005 Re-mix)
Jörg P. Müller, Bernhard Bauer, Thomas Friese, Stephan Roser, Roland Zimmermann	63	(40)
1 Introduction	63	(2)
2 Areas and Challenges of e-Business	65	(9)
2.1 Areas of e-Business	65	(1)
2.2 e-Business Architecture	66	(4)
2.3 Challenges in e-Business	70	(1)
2.3.1 Challenge: Semantic Interoperability	70	(1)
2.3.2 Challenge: Support for Flexible Organization Structures and Collaborative Business Processes	71	(1)
2.3.3 Challenge: Pro-active, Adaptive Processes and Agent Grid Services	71	(1)
2.3.4 Challenge: Dynamic IT	72	(1)
2.3.5 Challenge: Security, Privacy, and Trust	72	(1)
2.3.6 Challenge: Adaptive Decision Making for Evaluation and Selection of Products and Services	73	(1)
2.3.7 Challenge: Mobility Support and Context Awareness	73	(1)
3 Agent Technology for e-Business	74	(11)
3.1 Agents Definitions and Characteristics	74	(2)
3.2 Challenges	76	(1)
3.2.1 Challenge: Semantic Interoperability	76	(2)
3.2.2 Challenge: Support for Flexible Organization Structures and Collaborative Business Processes	78	(2)
3.2.3 Challenge: Pro-active, Adaptive Processes and Agent Grid Services	80	(2)
3.2.4 Challenge: Dynamic IT	82	(1)
3.2.5 Challenge: Security, Privacy, and Trust	83	(1)
3.2.6 Challenge: Adaptive Decision Making for Evaluation and Selection of Products and Services	83	(1)
3.2.7 Challenge: Mobility Support and Context Awareness	84	(1)
4 Agent-Enabled e-Business Applications: Case Studies	85	(14)
4.1 Agent-Enabled Supply Chain Event Management	85	(1)
4.1.1 Problem Description	85	(1)
4.1.2 Technology Used	86	(3)
4.1.3 Application Context/Validation	89	(1)
4.2 Decentral Business Resource Management	89	(1)
4.2.1 Problem Description	89	(1)
4.2.2 Technology Used	90	(2)
4.2.3 Application Context/Validation	92	(2)
4.3 Model-Driven Development and Integration	94	(1)
4.3.1 Problem Description	94	(1)
4.3.2 Technology Used	94	(1)
4.3.3 Application Context/Validation	95	(4)
5 Discussion, Conclusions, and Outlook	99	(2)
References	101	(2)
Global Supply Chain Networks and Risk Management: A Multi-Agent Framework
Anna Nagurney, Jose M Cruz, June Dong	103	(32)
1 Introduction	104	(1)
2 The Global Supply Chain Network Model with Risk Management	105	(14)
2.1 The Behavior of the Manufactures and their Optimality Conditions	106	(4)
2.2 The Behavior of the Distributors and their Optimality Conditions	110	(3)
2.3 The Retailers and their Optimality Conditions	113	(3)
2.4 The Equilibrium Conditions	116	(1)
2.5 The Equilibrium Conditions of the Global Supply Chain	117	(2)
3 Qualitative Properties	119	(8)
4 The Algorithm	127	(1)
5 Numerical Examples	128	(4)
6 Summary and Conclusions	132	(1)
7 Acknowledgments	133	(1)
References	133	(2)
RedAgent: An Autonomous, Market-based Supply-Chain Management Agent for the Trading Agents Competition
Doina Precup, Philipp W. Keller, Felix-Olivier Duguay	135	(20)
1 Introduction	135	(1)
2 Overview of TAC SCM	136	(1)
3 Architecture of RedAgent	137	(1)
4 Internal Markets and Auctions	138	(1)
5 Order Agents	139	(2)
6 Assembler Agents	141	(2)
7 Component and Production Agents	143	(2)
8 Bidder Agent	145	(1)
9 Internal Behavior	146	(2)
10 Competition Performance	148	(3)
11 Discussion	151	(3)
Acknowledgments	154	(1)
References	154	(1)
A Framework of Optimization Agent for Supply Chain Management
Jae Kyu Lee, Yong Sik Chang	155	(24)
1 Introduction	155	(2)
2 Review of Model Management for Optimization Agent	157	(1)
3 Structure of Optimization Models in the Supply Chain	158	(4)
3.1 Primitive Model of M-VRTPW	159	(1)
3.2 Options of the Objective Function	160	(1)
3.3 Objective-Driven Constraints	161	(1)
3.4 Optional Constraints for the Target Problem	162	(1)
4 Architecture of Optimization Agents	162	(7)
4.1 Identification of a Base Model	164	(1)
4.2 Identification of a Target Model	165	(2)
4.3 Canonical Representation of the Target Model	167	(2)
4.4 Formulation of the Target Model for the IP Solver	169	(1)
5 Illustrative Automatic Modeling Procedure with AGENT-OPT2	169	(7)
5.1 Identification of a Base Model	169	(2)
5.2 Identification of a Target Model	171	(2)
5.3 Canonical Representation of the Target Model	173	(1)
5.4 Formulating a Target Model for Solver LINGO	174	(2)
6 Conclusion: Toward Ontology for Supply Chain Model Warehouse Services	176	(1)
References	177	(2)
Multi-Agent Modeling and Fuzzy Task Assignment for Real-Time Operation in a Supply Chain
Utnesh Deshpande, Arohinda Gupta, Anupam Basu	179	(24)
1 Introduction	179	(3)
2 Related Works	182	(1)
3 Agent based System Model of the Supply Chain	183	(3)
3.1 The Architecture of a Node	183	(2)
3.2 Modeling of the Functional Unit (FU)	185	(1)
3.3 The Local State	185	(1)
4 The Real-Time Scheduler at each FU	186	(2)
4.1 Estimated Latest Start Time (ELST) Computation	188	(1)
5 Task Assignment under Imprecision	188	(6)
5.1 Multiobjective Decision Making using Fuzzy Logic	188	(2)
5.2 A Procedure for Determining the Importance of the Objectives	190	(1)
5.3 The Computation of the Objectives for the Supply Chain Operation	191	(3)
6 Performance Evaluation	194	(5)
6.1 Comparison with the Heuristic Algorithm	197	(2)
7 The Hybrid Algorithm	199	(2)
8 Conclusions	201	(1)
References	202	(1)
Multi-Agent based Supply Chain Modelling with Dynamic Environment
Toshiya Kaihara	203	(14)
1 Introduction	203	(1)
2 VE Business Model in Supply Chain Environment	204	(3)
2.1 VE Concept	204	(2)
2.2 Business Model	206	(1)
3 Agent Definitions	207	(5)
3.1 Unit Structure	207	(1)
3.2 Negotiation Algorithm	207	(2)
3.3 Vertically Integrated VE Model	209	(1)
3.4 Horizontally Specialised VE Model	210	(1)
3.5 Hybrid VE Model	211	(1)
4 Experimental Results	212	(2)
5 Conclusions	214	(1)
References	215	(2)
Agent-Based Technological Framework for Dynamic Configuration of a Cooperative Supply Chain
Alexander V. Smirnov, Leonid B. Sheremetov, Nikolai Chilov, Christian Sanchez-Sanchez	217	(30)
1 Introduction	217	(2)
2 CSC Configuration Task	219	(2)
3 Partner Choice as a Coalition Game	221	(4)
3.1 Cooperative Games with Fuzzy Coalitions	222	(2)
3.2 Construction of a Coalition Membership Function	224	(1)
3.3 Solution of a Coalition Game with Genetic Algorithm	225	(1)
4 Ontological Model of the CSC Based on Object-Oriented Constraint Networks	225	(5)
4.1 Object-Oriented Constraint Network	226	(1)
4.2 Construction of the Request Ontology	227	(3)
5 Methods for Resource Allocation Task Solution	230	(2)
5.1 Genetic Algorithm	230	(1)
5.2 Constraint Satisfaction Problem	231	(1)
6 Multi-agent Framework Description	232	(5)
6.1 Coalition Game for Partner Selection	233	(1)
6.2 Evolver Interface Integration	234	(2)
6.3 Adaptive Agents for Resource Allocation	236	(1)
7 Case Study Description	237	(4)
7.1 Fuzzy Coalition Game Model of the Case Study	238	(2)
7.2 Results of the Constraint Satisfaction Approach	240	(1)
7.3 Comparison of Experimental Results	241	(1)
8 Related Research and Discussion	241	(3)
Conclusions	244	(1)
Acknowledgments	245	(1)
References	245	(2)
Design, Implementation and Test of Collaborative Strategies in the Supply Chain
Thierry Moyaux, Brahim Chaib-draa, Sophie D'Amours	247	(26)
1 Introduction	247	(2)
2 Methodology	249	(5)
2.1 Notations	249	(2)
2.2 Explanation of the Algorithms	251	(3)
3 Case Study: Do Companies in a Supply Chain Agree to Share Demand Information?	254	(13)
3.1 The Bullwhip Effect: A Problem of Supply Chain Management	254	(4)
3.2 One Cause and its Solution to the Bullwhip Effect	258	(4)
3.3 Simulation Model	262	(1)
3.4 Agent Strategies	263	(1)
3.5 Results and Analysis	264	(2)
3.6 Discussion on the Case Study	266	(1)
4 Discussion on the Methodology	267	(3)
5 Conclusion	270	(1)
6 Acknowledgment	270	(1)
References	270	(3)
MAGNET: A Multi-Agent System using Auctions with Temporal and Precedence Constraints
John Collins, Maria Gini	273	(42)
1 Introduction	273	(1)
2 Decision Processes in a MAGNET Customer Agent	274	(14)
2.1 Agents and their Environment	275	(1)
2.2 Planning	276	(1)
2.3 Planning the Bidding Process	277	(4)
2.4 Composing a Request for Quotes	281	(4)
2.5 Evaluating Bids	285	(3)
2.6 Awarding Bids	288	(1)
3 Solving the MAGNET Winner-Determination Problem	288	(8)
3.1 Bidtree Framework	289	(2)
3.2 A* Formulation	291	(3)
3.3 Iterative Deepening A*	294	(2)
4 Search Performance	296	(10)
4.1 Experimental Setup	297	(3)
4.2 Characterizing the Iterative Deepening A* Solver	300	(6)
5 Related Work	306	(3)
5.1 Multi-Agent Negotiation	306	(2)
5.2 Combinatorial Auctions	308	(1)
5.3 Deliberation Scheduling	309	(1)
6 Conclusions	309	(2)
References	311	(4)
Incentive Compatible Supply Chain Auctions
Moshe Babaioff, William E. Walsh	315	(36)
1 Introduction	315	(2)
2 Supply Chain Formation Problem	317	(3)
2.1 Supply Chain Model	317	(3)
2.2 Allocations	320	(1)
3 Two-Sided, Single-Good	320	(2)
4 Linear Supply Chains	322	(2)
5 Unique Manufacturing Technology Supply Chains	324	(14)
5.1 UMT Trade Reduction Auction Allocation	325	(2)
5.2 UMT Trade Reduction Auction Payments	327	(1)
5.3 Auction Properties with the Known Single-Minded Model	328	(2)
5.4 Auctions for the Unknown Single-Minded Model	330	(4)
5.5 Computational Complexity of the UMT Auction	334	(2)
5.6 Distributed Implementation	336	(2)
6 Supply Chains without the Unique Manufacturing Technologies Constraint	338	(1)
7 Discussion and Open Problems	339	(1)
Acknowledgments	340	(1)
References	340	(1)
Appendix A	341	(3)
Appendix B	344	(7)
Supply Chain Coordination by Means of Automated Negotiations Between Autonomous Agents
Andreas Fink	351	(22)
1 Introduction	351	(1)
2 The Coordination Problem	352	(3)
3 The Negotiation Protocol	355	(6)
3.1 Contract Generation	357	(1)
3.2 Acceptance Criteria	357	(4)
4 Computational Experiments	361	(8)
4.1 Scenario A: Two Decision Making Units	364	(3)
4.2 Scenario B: Three Decision Making Units	367	(2)
5 Conclusions	369	(1)
References	370	(3)
Business Process Support in a Seaport Automobile Terminal — a Multi-Agent Based Approach
Torsten Fischer, Hermann Gehring	373	(22)
1 Introduction and Problem Description	373	(1)
2 Business Processes in a Seaport Automobile Terminal	374	(7)
2.1 Logistics Supply Chain for Vehicle Transport	375	(1)
2.2 Representation of the Underlying Business Processes	376	(1)
2.2.1 Business Process "Vehicle Takeover" (Im1)	376	(1)
2.2.2 Business Process "Vehicle Storage" (Im2)	377	(1)
2.2.3 Business Process "Vehicle Delivery" (Im3)	378	(1)
2.3 Description of the Planning Processes	378	(2)
2.4 Analysis of Critical Points	380	(1)
3 Vehicle Transshipment Optimization Problem	381	(1)
4 Multi-Agent System for Planning Support	382	(6)
4.1 Representation of the Planning Problem via Autonomous Agents	383	(1)
4.2 Operation of the Multi-Agent-System	384	(1)
4.2.1 Departure Time Estimation	385	(1)
4.2.2 Deployment Scheduling (Coarse Grained Scheduling)	386	(1)
4.2.3 Storage Allocation	387	(1)
4.2.4 Deployment Scheduling (Fine Grained Scheduling)	388	(1)
4.2.5 Updating the Parking Area Reservation List	388	(1)
5 Evaluation of the Multi-Agent Based Planning Approach	388	(4)
5.1 Results from an Operational Point of View	389	(2)
5.2 Results from a Strategic Point of View	391	(1)
6 Conclusions	392	(1)
References	393	(2)
Commitment Based Sense-and-Respond Framework for Manufacturing Supply Chain
Jun-Jang (JJ) Jeng, Markue Ettl, Jen-Yao Chung	395	(24)
1 Introduction	395	(2)
2 Scenarios	397	(6)
3 Framework	403	(4)
4 Commitment Based Manufacturing Supply Chain	407	(7)
5 Architecture	414	(2)
6 Related Work and Discussion	416	(1)
7 Conclusion	416	(1)
References	417	(2)
A Multi-Agent Approach to Supply Chain Management in the Chemical Industry
Ralagopolan Srinivasan, Mukta Bonsal, I.A. Karimi	419
1 Introduction	421	(3)
1.1 Petroleum Refinery Supply Chain	421	(2)
1.2 Distinguishing Features of Chemical Supply Chains	423	(1)
2 Literature Review	424	(3)
3 G2-Multi-Agent Development Environment	427	(3)
4 Refinery Supply Chain Management	430	(2)
5 Agent Modeling of Refinery Supply Chain	432	(10)
6 Case Studies	442	(5)
6.1 Study 1: Normal Scenario	443	(2)
6.2 Study 2: Transportation Disruption	445	(2)
6.3 Study 3: Demand High	447	(1)
7 Discussion	447	(1)
References	448