Abstract
This paper presents a multi-agent conceptual model for resource allocation in a manufacturing environment. To attain this purpose a framework called M-DRAP — Multi-agent Dynamic Resources Allocation Planning — was developed. Multi-agent systems have been employed as a solution for problems that require decentralization and distribution in both decision-making and execution process. This is a premise in many information systems where (i) the domain involves intrinsic distribution of data, problem-solving capabilities and responsibilities; (ii) it is necessary to maintain the autonomy of the subparts, without lost of organizational structure; and (iii) the problem solution cannot be completely described a priori due to the possibility of real-time perturbations in the environment (equipment failures, for example) and also as a consequence of the natural dynamics of the business process. The main contribution of this work is the proposition of a set of activities and models defining a framework to represent multi-agent systems for business process under an enterprise model perspective.
This work was partially supported by CNPq 523.883/96-0, 572021/97-6 and FAPERGS 99/0360.9 grants.
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Bastos, R.M., Palazzo M. de Oliveira, J. (2000). A Conceptual Modeling Framework for Multi-agent Information Systems. In: Laender, A.H.F., Liddle, S.W., Storey, V.C. (eds) Conceptual Modeling — ER 2000. ER 2000. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 1920. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-45393-8_22
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