Decision Support Tool for Supply Chain Configuration Considering New Product Re-Design: An Agent-Based Approach

Abstract

In the decline phase of product lifecycle, industrials need to re-design their products to introduce new functions and/or customers’ new preferences. These changes may not only affect the product’s bill of material, but also its supply chain network. Consequently, new supply chain costs are generated. This paper addresses the problem of supply chain configuration considering new product re-design using a multi-agent system (MAS). The objective of the system is to ensure good collaboration between two different points of view, supply chain partners and product designers, to make better decisions. To model the proposed system, we select the multi-agent system engineering (MaSe) methodology. The MAS framework contains three types of agents, namely, “product design agent” and “supply chain agents” which are fitted with optimization tools. These tools allow costs’ optimization and selection of supply chain means (suppliers, technologies, etc.). Finally, the system contains a “communication agent” acting like a mediator; it facilitates data exchange between designers. To support distributed decision-making, two models of mixed integer linear programming are adopted and implemented within the framework for supply chain optimization. The overall MAS approach was tested in simulation with a case study. The objective of the simulation is to choose among three product alternatives the cheapest one based on its supplying and production costs, under capacity constraints. The MAS was able to find the best product alternative among three alternatives proposed by product design team and select optimal supply chain means. The optimal supply chain contains two suppliers: one machine and one subcontractor to satisfy customer’s demand.

Advancements in Sustainable Manufacturing Supply Chain Modelling: a Review

“…Ribino et al ( 2017 ) proposed an ABS approach for determining the effect of specific factors on automatic logistic warehouses during performance improvement. Ballouki et al ( 2017 ) utilised multi-agent-based simulation for selecting the cheapest product among alternatives, based on supplying and production costs, under capacity constraints.…”

An agent-based approach for the application of nature's forms to product conceptual design

“…Madhusudan [31] presents an agent-based process coordination framework for distributed design process management. Ballouki et al [32] address the supply chain configuration problem by considering new product re-design with the help of a multi-agent system.…”