Design of a multi agent system for machine selection
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In a machine shop effective assignment of jobs to machines is a multi-criteria decision making problem which is usually done by professionals and experienced planners. The skill of job assignment becomes handy in machine shops which are in the Small, Medium to Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) category as they work on a variety of products with limited machinery. The paper presents a machine selection system for helping decision makers when selecting machines to be scheduled. Customer order parameters which include product weight, clamping force, mould dimensions, due date and lead time are used to select moulding machines suitable to manufacture the desired parts. The criteria for machine selection was developed using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were quality, time and cost were considered as the key parameters. The available
machines which meet the requirements for moulding a desired part are then made to compete for the part using an English auction. A Multi Agent System consisting of a managing agent, administrator and bidding agents was developed to conduct the auction that takes place between machine agents viewed as potential contractors representing available machines in the production line. The multi agent system is developed using Java Agent Development framework (JADE). An injection moulding plant with 11 injection moulders was used as a case study for application of the system.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar
Description
CITATION: Nyanga, L., et al. 2016. Design of a multi agent system for machine selection. In Competitive Manufacturing, International Conference on Competitive Manufacturing (COMA '16), 27-29 January 2016, Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
The original publication is available at http://conferences.sun.ac.za/index.php/doie/coma16
The original publication is available at http://conferences.sun.ac.za/index.php/doie/coma16
Keywords
Multi agent system, Analytical hierarchy process, JADE, Assembly-line methods, System analysis
Citation
Nyanga, L., et al. 2016. Design of a multi agent system for machine selection. In Competitive Manufacturing, International Conference on Competitive Manufacturing (COMA '16), 27-29 January 2016, Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch University, South Africa