A multiagent supply chain planning and coordination architecture

A supply chain is a worldwide network of suppliers, manufactures, warehouses, distribution centers and retailers through which raw materials are acquired, transformed and delivered to customers. In recent years, a new system approach for managing the supply chain at the tactical and operational levels has emerged. It views a supply chain as composed of a set of intelligent (software) agents, who are responsible for one or more activities and interacting with other related agents in planning and executing their responsibilities. This paper presents a multiagent architecture of supply chain integration. Agents coordination using extended contract net protocol is discussed. Two types of bidding approaches, i.e., the customizing-type and webbing-type are introduced into the multiagent supply chain system. Finally, a heuristics and two programming models for the planning and coordination of demand-driven supply chains are suggested. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2004.