Ontology-based Validation of Agent Oriented Modelling

Despite the potential of Multi-Agent Systems (MAS), this technology has not been widely adopted by industry yet. Due to its complexity, errors in modelling activities can be costly. Early validation of MAS models can prevent rework or building a system non-compliant with client’s specification. We propose a general ontology-based process to validate any kind of software models that can be adapted in a broad range of software development projects. We illustrate this for MAS development as its complexity justifies additional costs associated with applying our add-on validation process. This work provides early evidence of the soundness of our approach. We successfully validate and improve the quality of MAS models for a real-life development project showing that our MAS models validation process can contribute to harnessing the commercial potential of MAS technology.