A Methodology for Developing Agent Based Systems for Enterprise Integration

Abstract

Before agents can be used extensively a methodology must be established for the development of agent based systems. This methodology must encompass modeling or analysis, design, and implementation of both the technical and organisational aspects of the systems. This paper outlines a methodology for the engineering of agent based systems. The methodology is based upon the IDEF (ICAM Definition) approach for workflow modeling and the use case driven approach to object oriented software engineering. The methodology is illustrated via a case study in the area of discrete parts manufacturing.