Information Coordination Using Meta-agents in Information Logistics Processes

In order to coordinate and deliver information in the right time and to the right place, theories from multi-agent systems and information logistics are combined. We use agents to support supply chain by searching for company specific information. Hence, there are a vast number of agents working at the Internet, simultaneously, which requires supervising agents. In this paper, we suggest using meta-agents to control the behaviour of a number of intelligent agents, where the meta-agents are working with coordination of the communication that takes place in a supply chain system. As an example, we look at a manufacturing company receiving orders on items from customers, which need to be produced. The handling of this distributed information flow can be thought of as an Information Logistics Processes and the similarities of the functioning of processes and intelligent agents' behaviour are illuminated.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: KES
• Authors: Mats Apelkrans, Anne Håkansson
• Keywords: Information, Information Logistics, Information Technology, KES 2008, Supply Chain