Goal-oriented analysis and agent-based design of agile supply chain

Abstract

In dynamic enterprise environment, it is a pressing problem to reconfigure supply chain swiftly with the formation and dissolution of virtual enterprises. Multiagent technology provides a promising solution to this problem. In this paper, we present the approach for developing agent-based agile supply chain from goal-oriented analysis to agent-based design. To begin with, a metamodel used for the analysis and design of agile supply chain is given, which defines the abstract entities identified in the analysis and design phase as well as their relationship, such as goal, role, activity, rule and agents. In the analysis phase, the goal of supply chain is represented in AND-OR goal graph and then activities, roles and business rules are identified accordingly. In the design phase, roles are late binded (assigned) to agents and thus the analysis model can be reused. Finally, the architecture of multiagent supply chain based on CORBA platform is described. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.