A Framework for Building Distributed Agent-Based Industrial Applications

Abstract In the paper we present a fresh approach to viewing the technological and business and organizational aspects of agent-based systems utilized in industrial and manufacturing environments. Based on experience coming both from intensive research activities carried out by the authors’ organizations, and exposure to real market needs and technology utilization potential, our approach focuses on providing the essentials for the development, deployment, operation and evolution of agent-based technologies, infrastructures and (instances of such) systems. Policies, industrial practices and models are embedded in agents representing intra- and inter-system processes and activities.