A model and dynamics for reticulated supply chain based on multi-agent system

In essence, supply chain is a dynamic complex system that is composed of a multiplicity of entities with independent decision-making ability. Traditional models, such as chain-shaped, radial-shaped and so on, are not fit for this complex setting any more. This paper models a multi-agent based reticulated supply chain, which well describes the relationship among the goods flow, capital flow and information flow exiting in the supply-demand, enterprise groups and virtual factories which are the elements of supply chain. Taking a two-agent system for example, this paper studies the chaos in supply chain through calculation and simulation of Lyapunov exponent, power spectrum and correlation dimension, and also pioneers the study of its application prospect in flexible production, providing a new illuminating insight into supply chain management