Agile manufacturing execution systems (AMES) are used to help manufacturers optimize shop floor production in an agile way. And the modeling of AMES is the key issue of realizing AMES. This paper presents an agent-bas...Agile manufacturing execution systems (AMES) are used to help manufacturers optimize shop floor production in an agile way. And the modeling of AMES is the key issue of realizing AMES. This paper presents an agent-based approach to AMES modeling. Firstly, the characteristics of AMES and its requirements on modeling are discussed. Secondly, a comparative analysis of modeling methods is carried out, and AMES modeling using an agent-based approach is put forward. Agent-based modeling method not only inherit the favorable features of traditional object-oriented modeling method such as data encapsulation, modularity and so on, but also has the ability to construct intelligent, rational and autonomous agent which can cooperate together to realize the goal of agile operation. A general agent architecture used in AMES modeling is described. Under this architecture, an agent can be divided into domain-independent components and domain-specific components which helps solve problems such as information overload, incomplete information handling and soft decision-making. Furthermore, an AMES model using four types of agents, i.e., interface agent, information agent, resource agent and management agent, is established. Thirdly, a snapshot of AMES model is provided in the case study. Especially, an agent-based cooperating process of task scheduling in AMES is illustrated in detail. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of this modeling approach are discussed as well.展开更多
文摘Agile manufacturing execution systems (AMES) are used to help manufacturers optimize shop floor production in an agile way. And the modeling of AMES is the key issue of realizing AMES. This paper presents an agent-based approach to AMES modeling. Firstly, the characteristics of AMES and its requirements on modeling are discussed. Secondly, a comparative analysis of modeling methods is carried out, and AMES modeling using an agent-based approach is put forward. Agent-based modeling method not only inherit the favorable features of traditional object-oriented modeling method such as data encapsulation, modularity and so on, but also has the ability to construct intelligent, rational and autonomous agent which can cooperate together to realize the goal of agile operation. A general agent architecture used in AMES modeling is described. Under this architecture, an agent can be divided into domain-independent components and domain-specific components which helps solve problems such as information overload, incomplete information handling and soft decision-making. Furthermore, an AMES model using four types of agents, i.e., interface agent, information agent, resource agent and management agent, is established. Thirdly, a snapshot of AMES model is provided in the case study. Especially, an agent-based cooperating process of task scheduling in AMES is illustrated in detail. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of this modeling approach are discussed as well.
