Distributed Planning

The paper deals with distributed planning in a Multi-Agent System (MAS) constituted by several intelligent agents each one has to interact with the other autonomous agents. The problem faced is how to ensure a distributed planning through the cooperation in our multi-agent system. To do so, we propose the use of fuzzy logic to represent the response of the agent in case of interaction with the other. Finally, we use JADE platform to create agents and ensure the communication between them. A Benchmark Production System is used as a running example to explain our contribution.

The amount of distributed generation (DG) is increasing worldwide, and it is foreseen that in the future it will play an important role in electrical energy systems. DG is located in distribution networks close to consumers or even in the consumers' side of the meter. Therefore, the net demand to be supplied through transmission and distribution networks may decrease, allowing to postpone reinforcement of existing networks. This paper proposes a method to assess the impact of DG on distribution networks investment deferral in the long-term. Due to the randomness of the variables that have an impact on such matter (load demand patterns, DG hourly energy production, DG availability, etc.), a probabilistic approach using a Monte Carlo simulation is adopted. Several scenarios characterized by different DG penetration and concentration levels, and DG technology mixes, are analyzed. Results show that, once initial network reinforcements for DG connection have been accomplished, in the medium and long-term DG can defer feeder and/or transformer reinforcements.

In this paper, a strategic location-allocation model is developed for the simultaneous design of forward and reverse supply chains. Strategic decisions such as network design are accounted for together with tactical decisions, namely, production, storage and distribution planning. The integration between strategic and tactical decisions is achieved by considering two interconnected time scales: a macro and a micro time. At macro level, the supply chain is designed in order to account for the existing demands and returns, whose satisfaction is planned simultaneously at the micro level where tactical decisions are taken. A Mixed Integer Linear Programming formulation is obtained which is solved to optimality using standard Branch & Bound techniques. Finally, the model accuracy and applicability is illustrated through the resolution of a case study.

Abstract. In this paper, the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem is extended to the case where each vehicle is restricted to an additional minimal starting or returning load constraint. We refer to this extension as the Minimal Load Constrained Vehicle Routing Problem. We present integer programming formulations for single and multidepot cases. An illustrative example is also provided to show how a decision maker can use the proposed formulation as an aid in distribution planning.

The amount of distributed generation (DG) is increasing worldwide, and it is foreseen that in the future it will play an important role in electrical energy systems. DG is located in distribution networks close to consumers or even in the consumers' side of the meter. Therefore, the net demand to be supplied through transmission and distribution networks may decrease, allowing to postpone reinforcement of existing networks. This paper proposes a method to assess the impact of DG on distribution networks investment deferral in the long-term. Due to the randomness of the variables that have an impact on such matter (load demand patterns, DG hourly energy production, DG availability, etc.), a probabilistic approach using a Monte Carlo simulation is adopted. Several scenarios characterized by different DG penetration and concentration levels, and DG technology mixes, are analyzed. Results show that, once initial network reinforcements for DG connection have been accomplished, in the medium and long-term DG can defer feeder and/or transformer reinforcements.

Coordination of actions and plans that must be achieved by multiple agents is one of the most difficult tasks in the multi-agent domain. In order to work together and achieve a common goal, agents need to coordinate their plans in a way that guarantees, if possible, the success of each individual agent plan. In this work, we propose a temporal fusion mechanism that allows a set of agents to fuse their plans and generate a global coordinated plan. First, we define a temporal plan as a set of temporally constrained actions. The fusion of several temporal plans is a temporal plan, which can be executed by several agents. The proposed framework is applied to a Combat Search and Rescue application.

Abstra ct: - Implementation of a supply-chain (SC) system has crucial impacts on a company's financial performance. Overall performance of a SC network is influenced significantly by the decisions taken in its production-distribution plan which integrates the decisions in production, transport and warehousing as well as inventory management. Thus, one key issue in the current research area of performance evaluation

The Last Planner methodology has been applied to construction and design. These efforts have resulted in the development of computer programs (WorkPlan and DePlan) that guide production units in creating reliable work plans. One of these programs was extended to include distributed planning and coordination and space scheduling capabilities as well (WorkMovePlan).

Flexible planning and realisation as well as fast reorganisation after interferences during continuous work are indispensable requirements for a competitive position on the market in the industrial sector. We present an agent-based generic solution for the planning and observation inside the steelwork "Volklingen" of the German steel company "Saarstahl AG", a global respected steel manufacturer. For a given daily target

I. Background of Investor Calls 161 II. Antitrust Risks from Investor Calls 162 A. Invitations to Collude 162 B. Anticompetitive Agreements 166 III. Implied Preclusion of Antitrust Claims 168 Factor 1: An Area of Conduct Squarely Within the Heartland of Securities Regulations B. Factor 2: Clear and Adequate SEC Authority to Regulate 172 C. Factor 3: Active and Ongoing SEC Regulation 174 Factor 4: Serious Conflict Between the Antitrust and

Recent business and technological trends have transformed the structure and performance requirements for distribution channels in many industries. Higher service level expectations of retail customers, distribution outsourcing by manufacturers, and the proliferation of advanced information technologies drive these transformations, presenting new problems in supply chain management. Motivated by a project with a leading building-products manufacturer, this paper addresses some of these new issues. Over the past two decades, this manufacturer witnessed the migration of building-products sales from independent specialty retailers to large retail chains, prompting it to create a new network of independent distributors to meet the service expectations of these ‘big-box’ retailers. This paper addresses three important challenges in managing the new distribution network. We first develop a fee-setting model to decide the manufacturer’s compensation scheme for the services provided by its i...