A new approach of coordination of decisions in a multi site system is proposed. It is based this approach on a multi-agent concept and on the principle of distributed network of enterprises. For this purpose, each enterprise is defined as autonomous and performs simultaneously at the local and global levels.The basic component of our approach is a so-called Virtual Enterprise Node (VEN), where the enterprise network is represented as a set of tiers (like in a product breakdown structure). Within the network, each partner constitutes a VEN, which is in contact with several customers and suppliers. Exchanges between the VENs ensure the autonomy of decision, and guarantiee the consistency of information and material flows. Only two complementary VEN agents are necessary: one for external interactions, the Negotiator Agent (NA) and one for the planning of internal decisions, the Planner Agent (PA).If supply problems occur in the network, two other agents are defined: the Tier Negotiator Agent (TNA) working at the tier level only and the Supply Chain Mediator Agent (SCMA) working at the level of the enterprise network. These two agents are only active when the perturbation occurs. Otherwise, the VENs process the flow of information alone.With this new approach, managing enterprise network becomes much more transparent and looks like managing a simple enterprise in the network. The use of a Multi-Agent System (MAS) allows physical distribution of the decisional system, and procures a heterarchical organization structure with a decentralized control that guaranties the autonomy of each entity and the flexibility of the network.
Abstract:This study presents an optimization model of the upstream supply chain of an oilseed basedbiofuels production system. It has been developed considering West Africa rural context where family farming is mainly practiced. The model has been applied to a theoretical case of study on jatropha seeds supply chain. Four scenarios on farms surface area occupancy and on the transportation means used between farms and feedstock gathering points (GP) have been performed. Considering different farming systems, different seed yield, and different transportation mode, the results show that the most efficient option is the "intercropping" mode with the pre-processing operations located at the farms and with the transportation between farms and GP ensured by carts.
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