Organization and optimization of distributed logistics: estimation and patrolling approach based on multi-agent system

This paper proposes a new method to model supply chains. Distributed systems need continuous and up-to-date information about their products, rooting process and consumption, in order to cover customer’s needs and to solve problems emerging during the products rooting. The main goal is the satisfaction of every entity constituting the logistics organization. To achieve this goal, we propose a multi-agent based supply chain management. The supply chain studied presents a variable consumption in some areas; we proposed to use two different methods to solve this problem; the need estimation agent and the patrolling method. Patrolling is a complex multi-agent task, which usually requires agents to coordinate their decision-making in order to achieve optimal performance of the group as a whole. The problems encountered in supply chains and the technique to address these problems is first presented. Multi-agent systems especially need estimation agent and multi-agent patrolling are next used as a potential solution to these problems. Key-Words: Supply chain management, communication problems, multi-agent systems, need estimation agent, multi-agent patrolling.