Multiagent-based process planning and scheduling in context of supply chains

Intelligent software agents are a promising approach to improve information logistics in manufacturing enterprises. This paper deals with the application of agents in the area of process planning and production control. Thus, enterprises will be able to fulfil the requirement of flexible, reliable and fault-tolerant manufacturing. Fulfilment of these requirements is a prerequisite for successful participation in modem business alliances like supply chains and virtual enterprises. Thus, agent-based improvements of information logistics enable enterprises to face the challenges of competition successfully. Current research activities focus on the development of agent-based systems for integrated process planning and production control. They led to the "IntaPS" approach, which is presented in this paper. Furthermore, the integration of different agent-based systems in context of collaborative manufacturing in supply chains will be discussed.