A multi-resolution collaborative architecture for web-centric global manufacturing

We propose a recursive multi-resolution collaborative architecture (MRCA), based on multi-agent coordination mechanisms as a solid foundation for the development of web-centric cooperative applications in global manufacturing . The architecture consists of three layers: a low-level internetworking co mmunication-support layer; a coordination layer - managing inter-agent coop eration through intelligent conversation/communication mechanisms; and an a gent layer consisting of five categories of agents: interface, collaboratio n, knowledge management, application and resource agents. From a functional perspective, two distinctive hierarchies shape the multi-dimensionality of this architecture: a vertical hierarchy of agents and a horizontal hierarc hical communication-coordination platform. The versatility of the proposed architecture (which supports practically any kind of collaborative applicat ion) and its recursive replication at all levels of resolution within the c ollaborative application are illustrated on a supply-chain example. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Inc, All rights reserved.