Using a multi-agent system to optimise resource utilisation in multi-site manufacturing facilities

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

17 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Ming K. Lim
  • Kim Tan
  • Stephen C.H. Leung

Related Research Unit(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2620-2638
Journal / PublicationInternational Journal of Production Research
Volume51
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2013

Abstract

Due to cost economies and better serving the global market, many enterprises expanded their manufacturing environment from a localised, single-site facility to more globalised, multi-site facilities. In order to take advantage of operating multi-site facilities, it is vital to make optimisation decisions of resource utilisation as if these facilities situated across different geographical locations are one integrated facility and take into account of the extended multi-site constraints and variables. This paper proposes a multi-agent system, using its characteristics of autonomy and intelligence, to integrate process planning and production scheduling across different facilities, so as to secure the most efficient and cost-effective plan and schedule to meet the demand. A currency-based agent iterative bidding mechanism is developed to facilitate the co-ordination of agents to achieve the goal. A genetic algorithm is employed to tune the currency values for agent bidding. In this paper, a case study is used for simulation in order to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed agent system. © 2013 Taylor & Francis.

Research Area(s)

  • genetic algorithm, multi-agent system, multi-site manufacturing, optimisation, production planning and control

Citation Format(s)

Using a multi-agent system to optimise resource utilisation in multi-site manufacturing facilities. / Lim, Ming K.; Tan, Kim; Leung, Stephen C.H.
In: International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 51, No. 9, 01.05.2013, p. 2620-2638.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review