A multi-resolution collaborative architecture for web-centric global manufacturing

We propose a recursive multi-resolution collaborative architecture (MRCA), based on multi-agent coordination mechanisms as a solid foundation for the development of web-centric cooperative applications in global manufacturing. The architecture consists of three layers: a low-level internetworking communication-support layer; a coordination layer ± managing inter-agent cooperation through intelligent conversation/communication mechanisms; and an agent layer consisting of ®ve categories of agents: interface, collaboration, knowledge management, application and resource agents. From a functional perspective, two distinctive hierarchies shape the multi-dimensionality of this architecture: a vertical hierarchy of agents and a horizontal hierarchical communication±coordination platform. The versatility of the proposed architecture (which supports practically any kind of collaborative application) and its recursive replication at all levels of resolution within the collaborative application are illustrated on a supply-chain example. Ó 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.