Multi-agent coordination mechanism of virtual supply chain

Abstract

The improvement of transport processes gains a lot of interest from enterprises and governments. Configuration of supply chain should meet both economical and environmental goals. Companies participating in supply process more and more often prefer to create temporary relations and form virtual cooperation networks than to keep traditional long-term contracts. The aim of the paper is to present the potential of multiagents application for coordination of processes in virtual supply chain. The theoretical background of the project is presented. The main problems and requirements of the virtual supply chain coordination are identified. The reference model is described. Finally authors present a case study from pharmaceutical industry. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.