The concept of an agent-based system for planning of closed loop supplies in manufacturing system

Abstract

The present customer consumption models with short product's life cycle result in increasing number of used products that need to be collected and reused or disposed. In order to gain the advantages of "two-way" economy a change in business approach is needed. Many closed-loop supply chains lack good product and inventory data, which causes inefficiencies. Therefore specific tools are necessary that allow efficient management of information accompanying material flows. In this paper author briefly presents the theoretical background of the research. The common problems that appear by closing supply loop are described. The potential for application of agent-based solutions in order to improve the reverse logistics management is discussed. The concept of agent-based solutions is presented. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.