We present a manufacturing information system (MIS) architecture based on distributed intelligent agents. In our architecture, a manufacturing agent is a based on a knowledge model, implemented using the Clips software. In addition, each agent is able to dialogue with other agents, with Relational DataBase Management Systems and with Real Time Manufacturing Database Systems in XML, tunneling the dialogue in a Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) channel. This architecture aims to fill the information gap between the shopfloor level and the business information system, linking production to e-commerce, in a solution that is particularly interesting for small medium manufacturing enterprises.
Citation:
Roberto Sacile, Massimo Paolucci, Antonio Boccalatte, "The Make-It Project: Manufacturing Agents in a Knowledge-Based Environment Driven by Internet Technologies," aiworc, pp.281, Academia/Industry Working Conference on Research Challenges (AIWORC'00), 2000