Reducing the delivery time in food distribution SMEs using a multi-agent system

Abstract

The service industry worldwide has been facing unprecedented challenges in terms of delivering products at low cost and with fast delivery speeds. These pressures have had an even greater impact upon SMEs. The use of multi-agent systems (MAS) is increasingly being considered as a practical method of handling the mounting complexity within the supply-chain system which are a result of competing priorities, multiple options, and issues connected with decision-making in real time. Such systems offer a real opportunity to improve lead times, reduce operational costs and therefore enhance business competitiveness. This study aims to investigate the implementation of MAS within the supply chain using the empirical case study of a food distribution SME in Saudi Arabia. The case study indicates that this combination approach can offer considerable performance improvement in SMEs.