An Internet-based multi-agent framework for build-to-order supply chain management

Build-to-order supply chain (BOSC) is a new operation paradigm in the environment of global competition and changing customer demand. Its characteristics of responsiveness, flexibility, and high degree of integration urgently need the support of an Internet-based real-time information system. Based on analysis of key information technology such as Business-Customer e-commerce and multiagent system, main features that BOSC management system should hold were summarized as synchronization, interoperability, intelligence, real time, and scalability. The framework structure of BOSC management system was designed as a core multi-agent system at build-to-order (BTO) manufacturer with three browsers at suppliers, logistic vendors, and customers. After describing the functional service of each agent, the information flow and the basic logical working process of the multi-agent BOSC management system were detailedly discussed.