A multi-agent based framework for maintenance resource scheduling decision

In this paper, we develop a model of maintenance resource scheduling for a two-echelon, multi-component, multi-depot system using agent-based method. The maintenance resource, spare parts and maintenance workers can be transported in lateral or emergency channel. We have defined the maintenance resource demand mechanism, maintenance resource scheduling process and cost function, which comprises three elements, inventory holding costs, maintenance cost, and shortage costs. Finally, we take a two-echelon, three components, three inventory depots system for example to verify the model effective, among this, Fixed-pair and Nearest distance resource selection criteria are used to select maintenance resource.