Resource coordination in supply networks

This paper proposes out of an existing industrial case study a definition for supply networks and the respective coordination problem. The definition is given in an engineering point of view. A coordination and control mechanism is discussed which corresponds to the definition given. This control mechanism is based on an existing manufacturing control. The PROSA architecture and an ant based coordination mechanism is the basis of the extended manufacturing control mechanism. Scaling the manufacturing control towards a supply network control pointed two additional concepts, reputation and ontology management out needed in order to fulfil the requirements of an supply network control. Reputation is defined and translated into the scope of supply networks.