A Multi-Agent Based Bidding System in VCIM Using Fuzzy AHP

Virtual CIM is the new concept to extend the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) system to a much wider scope. The traditional CIM systems can only deploy within an enterprise. VCIM break the barrier so that all manufacturing resources from different entities in different locations can be integrated and work together. It is especially helpful to Small to Medium Manufacturing Enterprises (SMMEs) as their resources are often limited and need intensive competition in the globalized market. In this paper, the limitations of current agent-based VCIM for SMMEs will be analyzed. A Multi-Agent based bidding System will be proposed as possible solution to address those limitations. Fuzzy AHP selection will also be briefly introduced to support the proposed system architecture.