Context-aware self-configuration of flexible supply networks

Abstract

In a complex business, network configuring is a very dynamic process. In advanced supply networks, this task is carried out under time constraints and under uncertainties both in suppliers and in the orders. In this paper we show how semantic service-oriented architectures could assist in multilayer self-configuration of on-demand supply chain channels of a Flexible Supply Network (FSN) inspired in Build-to-Order strategy. The approach is based on the idea to characterize all FSN members by their functions or services and to describe them via profiles thus defining their roles. The profiles described by the application ontology are associated with agent-based services that negotiate in order to dynamically configure a network on demand. Semantic service discovery and dynamic composition are used to accomplish this task. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.