A framework for the application of autonomous agents in integrated dynamic process planning and schemduling system

摘要

This paper discusses a framework for the integration of dynamic process planning and production scheduling based on autonomous agents. The framework is developed as part of a larger project studying techniques to support Agile Manufacturing. In an agile manufacturing environment, the key requriement for a manufacturing enterprise is to accommodate rapid changes of a highly competitive market while keeping product costs at the minimum and maintaining the required delivery performance. The framework allows the dynamic optimisation of process plans and scheduling options in response to market changes. A Multi-Agent System is the focus of this framework and constitutes the backbone of an integrated dynamic process planning and scheduling system. With this system, all tasks related to process planning, optimisation, and scheduling are performed by various agents, which are abstract entities capable of communicating with each another. The agents are autonomous to make decisions by themselves, therefore, bring great benefits and contributions to the integration of process planning and scheduling functions. A Manufacturing System Model is used in the framework to represent manufacturing systems being planned/ controlled, which also helps to evaluate process plans and scheduling options generated.