Modeling agent-based simulations for supply chain planning: The FAMASS methodological framework

The agent paradigm is widely used to create supply chain simulation tools. Despite its attractiveness and extensive utilization in research, agent technology and its integration with distributed supply chain planning tools still represent an open field. In particular, there is a vacuum of research in the analysis phase of agent-based methodological frameworks. This phase represents the early modeling effort, considerably influencing the whole creation process and the resulting experiments. To contribute to fill this research gap, this paper presents a methodological framework called FAMASS (FORAC Architecture for Modeling Agent-based Simulation for Supply chain planning). It aims to provide a uniform representation of distributed Advanced Planning and Scheduling (d-APS) systems using agent technology to support simulation analysts. It aims to guide them in defining what are the functional requirements of possible simulation scenarios, as well as their related experimental definitions. It also guides the analysts to deploy the resulting analysis models into specification and design models. The FAMASS was tested through a proof-of-concept case in the forest products industry.