Multi-Agent Based Beam Search for Real-Time Production Scheduling and Control

the long version

<p>The Multi-Agent Based Beam Search (MABBS) method systematically integrates four major requirements of manufacturing production - <i>representation capability</i>, <i>solution quality</i>, <i>computation efficiency</i>, and <i>implementation difficulty</i> - within a unified framework to deal with the many challenges of complex real-world production planning and scheduling problems. </p><p><i>Multi-agent Based Beam Search for Real-time Production Scheduling and Control </i>introduces this method, together with its software implementation and industrial applications. This book connects academic research with industrial practice, and develops a practical solution to production planning and scheduling problems.</p><p>To simplify implementation, a reusable software platform is developed to build the MABBS method into a generic computation engine. This engine is integrated with a script language, called the Embedded Extensible Application Script Language (EXASL), to provide a flexible and straightforward approach to representing complex real-world problems.</p><p>Adopting an in-depth yet engaging and clear approach, and avoiding confusing or complicated mathematics and formulas, this book presents simple heuristics and a user-friendly software platform for system modelling. The supporting industrial case studies provide key information for students, lecturers, and industry practitioners alike. </p><p><i>Multi-agent Based Beam Search for Real-time Production Scheduling and Control</i> offers insights into the complex nature of and a practical total solution to production planning and scheduling, and inspires further research and practice in this promising research area.</p>