Using multi-agent architecture in FMS for dynamic scheduling

The proposed scheduling strategy is based on a multi-agent architecture. Each agent of this architecture is dedicated to a work centre (i.e. a set of resources of the manufacturing system); it selects locally and dynamically the most suitable dispatching rules. Depending on local and global considerations, a new selection is carried out each time a predefined event occurs (for example, a machine becomes available, or a machine breaks down). The selection depends on: (1) primary and secondary performance objectives, (2) the operating conditions, and (3) an analysis of the system state, which aims to detect particular symptoms from the values of certain system variables. We explain how the scheduling strategy is shared out between agents, how each agent performs a local dynamic scheduling by selecting an adequate dispatching rule, and how agents can coordinate their actions to perform a global dynamic scheduling of the manufacturing system. Each agent can be implemented through object-oriented formalisms. The selection method is improved through the optimization of the numerical thresholds used in the detection of symptoms. This approach is compared with the use of SPT, SIX, MOD, CEXSPT and CR/SPT on a jobshop problem, already used in other research works. The results indicate significant improvements.