Intelligent Tool Management in a Multiple Supplier Network

The development and implementation of an intelligent Flexible Tool Management Strategy (FTMS), based on Fuzzy Logic (FL) theory and integrated in a Multi-Agent Tool Management System (MATMS) for automatic tool procurement in a supply network, is presented. The MATMS operates in the framework of a negotiation-based, multiple-supplier network where a turbine blade producer requires dressing jobs on worn-out CBN grinding wheels from external tool manufacturers. The main characteristics of the intelligent FTMS approach is the use of fuzzy set theory to model the uncertainty associated with tool demand rate and the employment of fuzzy reasoning to expand the strategy operational flexibility in comparison with traditional tool management and previously developed crisp FTMS paradigms.