Agent-Based Joint Theater Logistics Management

Agent-Based Joint Theater Logistics Management

Dr. Thomas E. Potok

Collaborative Technologies Research Center

Computer Science and Mathematics Division

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Lockheed Martin Energy Research

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Collaborative Technologies Research Center (CTRC) Computer Science and Mathematics Division Pioneering research in

– Agent technology– Information integration– Cluster analysis– Software engineering

We have successfully developed systems for Lockheed Martin, the Department of Energy, and the Defense Logistics Agency.

Approach– Small Entrepreneurial team of researchers and software

developers– Broad range of collaborators, including

• LM, DLA, DOE, University of Tenn, NIST, CMU, NCSU, NTRC

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CTRC Key Projects

SURGE - Supplier Utilization through Responsive Grouped Enterprises – DLA funded to drastically reduce cost/delivery time for military spares

– Software agents and grouping technology used to define part families MABES - Manufacturing Agent Based Emulation System

– LMTAS to rapidly model fundamental changes to manufacturing systems

– Software agents to analyze the impact of changes to manufacturing lines

CME - Collaborative Management Environment – DOE funded to provide significant improvement in research funding

– Information integration used to gather, search over, and report on heterogeneous information from a number of national laboratories

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Future Technology Trend

Face to Face

Telephone

Internet

AGEN

TS

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Successful Projects

Knowledge-based Computer Systems Calibration

Knowledge-based Systems for Constructability

Neural Nets for Material Mix Optimization

Knowledge-based Systems - Manufacturing Advisors

Neural Nets for Spring-back Prediction

Neural Nets for Resistance. Spot Welding

Neural Nets for Recovery Boiler Control

Neural Nets for Bankruptcy Prediction

Collaborative Decision Support System

Genetic Algorithms for Chemical Synthesis

Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments

Collaborative Design System

Manufacturing Emulation Agent System

Supply Chain Management Agent SystemWe have extensive expertise in agent development Began working with agent technologies in 1980s

Over 10 successful projects within the last 5 yearsCollaborations with leading agent experts

1985 1990 1995 2000

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Recent Accomplishments

Guest researcher at NIST for standardization of agent frameworks

Delivered a multi-agent part grouping system for DLA Press Release: Lockheed Martin Completes First Phase in

Applying 'Agent-Based' Software to JSF Papers and Presentations

– Invited presentation to MIT’s Lean Aerospace Initiative Forum– An invited paper to the IEEE Internet Computing Journal – Presented two multi-agent papers at the ISAS'99 conference – Paper accepted by International Journal of Flexible Automation and

Integrated Manufacturing.– Paper accepted by Flexible Automation and Intelligent

Manufacturing Conference

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...Software entities that assist people and act on their behalf

...Software “robots”

What are Agents?

Goal-drivenhave a purpose andact in accordance withthat purpose until it isfulfilled

Communicativeable to interact andcommunicate with users and other agents

Proactivedetect changes in theirenvironment and react to those in a timely mannerby answering to events and initiating actions

Autonomouscan have control over their own actions and be able to work and launch actions independent of the user or other actors

Learninghave the ability tolearn from experiencesin their environment

State

Traditional Software Object

Behavior

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Simple Agent ExampleAgent,

find me the book “War and Peace,”

and I need it tomorrow

Does the agent understand

buying books?

Form a planto buy the

book

Execute the plan

Amazon

Barnes andNobel

Borders

B. Dalton

...

2 Days$18.50

1 Day $21.75

NA

1 Day $20.25

Order thebook

Learn for next time

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PREPO

SEALIFT

AIRLIFT

Strategic Pipeline

DLA/Services

Forces

TRANSCOM

CINCs

ANY THEATER

What’s Going?

Commercial

What’s Coming?

Prepositioned Capabilities

JFC/JTF

“DAFL”

WEB BASED

Oak Ridge Technology

SURGEOptimize LogisticsMinimize wait time

MABESTotal Asset VisibilitySupply Chain Model

CMEIntegrated,Collaborative,Distributed Information

SURGESURGE

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Supply Chain Overview

Part A Demand

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PartDemand

Optimal Part Family

Smooth Demand

SupplierCapability

Part B Demand

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Demand

How is it made?What can the supplier build?

When and how much is needed?

Optimal Supplier

History

Future

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SURGE Grouping AgentsPart FamiliesAgent Group Themselves

Agent Mediator

Parts represented by

Agents

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Results on C-130 PartsGroup 3

Group 2

Group 1

Gro

up 5

Gro

up 4

Part Description

Matl Description Matl Type A lloy

Type Part

Agent Grouping Process Spec

BEARING C 1 2SCREW-NLG SCREW STEEL 8630 C 1 2 MIL-S-6050POST-JATO RECEPTACLE BAR HEX BRASS CA360 C 1 2 QQ-B-626SHAFT, FLAP QUAD FRICTION LOCK ROD STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758SUPPORT-MLG BRAKE LINE CASTING ALUM A356 C 1 2 MIL-A-21180PLUNGER ROD RND STEEL 1095 C 1 2 MIL-S-8559BUSHING BAR HEX STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758FITTING ROD ALUM 2024 C 1 2 QQ-A-225/6SPACER-DOOR MECH BEARING MLG ROD CRES STL 15-5 C 1 2 AMS5659 TYPE ICONE-MALE LWR ENG MOUNT BAR RND STEEL 4340 C 1 2 MIL-S-5000SHAFT-ESCAPE LADDER AND SEAT S ROD STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758BUSHING-O/W FLAP BAR HEX STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758RING-MANIFOLD BAR RND ALUM 2024 C 1 2 QQ-A-225/6STUD-LITTER TIE-DOWN BAR RND STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758ABUSHING-FLAP CONTROL LEVER ASM ROD CRES STL 303SE C 1 2 AMS 5641BUSHING-ENG COND CONT ROD BRASS CA464 C 1 2 QQ-B-637ROLLER ROD STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758SPACER-AILERON HINGE FITTING ROD CRES STL 303SE C 1 2 AMS 5641ROLLER ROD STEEL 303SE C 1 2 ASTM A582-80SPACER-CONTROL COL. BASE ROD ALUM 2024 C 1 2 QQ-A-225/6ORFICE,REFRIG INTERCOOLER ROD STEEL 347 C 1 2 QQ-S-763ORIFICE-REFRIGERATOR-FLIGHT DE ROD CRES STL 321 C 1 2 QQ-S-763BOLT-1/2 SQ HD 1/4-28 UNF-3A ROD SQ STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758BOLT ROD SQ STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758BOLT-HEAD-DRILLED HEAD-FULL TH BAR HEX STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758BOLT-1/2 IN SQUARE HEAD SQ ROD STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758STUD-TIE DOWN CUTER STANCHION HEX BAR STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758SPACER N.L.G. FULCRUM-BRG-INN ROD STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758WASHER ROD STEEL 8630 C 1 2 MIL-S-6050WASHER-MLG SWIVEL BOLT BAR RND STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758WASHER ROD STL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758WASHER BOLT WING JOINT LOWER ROD STEEL 4130 C 1 2 MIL-S-6758

Input Data Grouping Results

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0

10

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50

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Number of parts

1 2 3 4 5

Agent Groups

Manual Vs Agent Grouping

Extrusion

Sheet Metal

Plate

Weld Assemblies

Bonded Assemblies

C130 Grouping Results

Why are extrusions spread over two groups?

Part Number # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #363797-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 356089-1L 1 1 1 1 1 339392 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 368092-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3311717-13 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 364216-3 1 1 1 1 1 389217-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 399860-5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 388400-27 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 399860-7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 339210-64 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 373580-1L 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 374957-5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 374403-2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 357771-3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3341136-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 339659-12 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 377053-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 356251-6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 356808-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 338696-38 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1338696-40 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1375229-2L 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 339838-7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 338742-8L 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1338736-28L 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Common Processes

Group “3” Processes

Group “5” Processes

Why two groups?

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Results

Wire Harness Data forms 3 groups

Possible cell layout

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 1Group 2Group 3

Cell 1

Cell 2

Cell 3

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Forecasting Direction

Part A Demand

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Small VarianceLarge Variance

Higher Volumes, Reduced Inventory

Potential for large savings

Traditionallow bid part

Part familywith key supplier

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Neural Network Forecasting

Full Training SetPartial

Training SetForecast

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SURGE Summary

An advanced logistics optimization system

Significant research breakthroughs in clustering technology

Provides significant savings and lead-time reductions to DLA

MABESMABES

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Process Overview

Projectedor Actual

Parts Need

GroupParts

Form LeanCells

Optimize Cells

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Traditional Methods Consume Time and Effort

Technology

Experts

Information

Management

Foreman

Weeks or Months

Cell Optimization

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Value of Agent Systems

Technology Foreman

MinutesMinutes

Agent System

Experts Management

FastFlexible

Collaborative

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MABES: Analytic Model

Activity Metrics

MinimizationManufacturing Rules

Process Metrics

Throughput

At 17 Planes Per month: - Machine utilization 85% - Cost is $65M - Span time is 48 Days

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Pull/Push/Takt Animation

MABES: Dynamic Model

Queues and Task Centers

Identify •Bottlenecks•Network Sensitivity•Outages

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Manufacturing Operations

Visibility into the Supply Chain

SUPPLIER

SUPPLIER

3rd TIER SUPPLIER

2nd TIER SUPPLIER

PARTNER

SISTER DIVISION

1st TIER SUPPLIER

FABRICATION - SUBASSEMBLY - FINAL - DELIVERYPARTNER

How does a problem here affect operations here

Theater Operations

Supply Chain

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MABES Summary

An advanced supply chain decision support system

Provides asset visibility into the logistics supply chain

Two patents filed on this technologyDeployed on the F-16 manufacturing

line

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Database ManagementHuman Computer InteractionMeta-modeling LanguagesObject-oriented TechnologiesScalable AlgorithmsSecurity

Collaborative

Management

Environment

Ames LabBerkeley LabFermi LabLos Alamos LabSandia LabLivermore LabOak Ridge Lab

Information Integration XML Software Engineering

The Collaborative Management Environment

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Current situation

Problem– Field Work Proposals (FWPs) submitted to DOE are in paper books

– Weeks and thousands of dollars are spend in collating, copying, binding, and shipping these books

– The books provide very limited query and search capability

Approach– Developed an FWP “ontology” for several national laboratories

– Pioneered use of the Extended Markup Language (XML) as a means of storing, querying, and presenting FWP information.

• Simple data storage technology

• Very low costs to the labs, integration work done by CME team

• Very well received article at XML’98, InForum’99, InterLab’99.

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Sample FWP

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Same XML Data Type Definition<!ELEMENT cme-proposal (proposal-rec-item)+>

<!ELEMENT proposal-rec-item(proposal |staff-resources |funds-resources |equipment-resources |budget-attachment |equipment-attachment |major-cost-attachment |time |milestone-task |doe-program |doe-program-manager |oo-reviewer |pi |proposal-manager |hq-organization |operations-office |attachment |contractor |funds-actual |cost-actual |report-requirements)+>

<!ELEMENT proposal(ben |work-prop-no |work-prop-title |rev-no |inst-plan-flag |work-prop-desc |fwp-rpt-rqmt)+>

<!ELEMENT ben (#PCDATA)><!ELEMENT work-prop-no (#PCDATA)><!ELEMENT work-prop-title (#PCDATA)><!ELEMENT rev-no (#PCDATA)><!ELEMENT inst-plan-flag (#PCDATA)><!ELEMENT work-prop-desc (#PCDATA)><!ELEMENT fwp-rpt-rqmt (#PCDATA)>

…

<cme-proposal><proposal-rec-item>

<proposal><ben> 19980727115540408 </ben><work-prop-no>

ERKJE09 </work-prop-no><work-prop-title>

Collaborative Management Environment</work-prop-title><rev-no>

0 </rev-no><inst-plan-flag>

Y</inst-plan-flag><work-prop-desc>

The Collaborative Management Environment (CME) is a jointresearch project between the Oak Ridge NationalLaboratory (ORNL) and Lawrence Berkely NationalLaboratory (LBNL) that is funded by the U.S. Departmentof Energy (DOE). CME is designed to support …

</work-prop-desc><fwp-rpt-rqmt>

Results will be reported in periodic highlights to DOEand in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

</fwp-rpt-rqmt></proposal>

…</proposal-rec-item>

</cme-proposal>

Tag Definitions TaggedDocument

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CME System

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CME Summary

One common picture to DOE Integrated, collaborative, and distributed information

in a secure web-based environment Innovation

– Use of Extended Markup Language (XML) for low-cost information integration

– Staged Schema migration CME information model DOE evaluating CME to be a corporate system

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Sustainment

Forces

Operations

JTL ToolsJTAVCOA

DLA

Logistics

HomeReloadImagesOpenPrintFindhttp://ebw.ops.copN

C1

CINC: Class III is my priority

DLA: We’re on it!

CINC: Class III is my priority

DLA: We’re on it!

JRSOI

Joint Theater Logistics Management

SURGEOptimize LogisticsMinimize wait timeMABES

Total Asset VisibilitySupply Chain Model

CMEIntegrated,Collaborative,Distributed Information

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Summary

– We have expertise and experience with developing • Advanced Logistics systems• Collaborative decision support systems

– We are pioneering in agent and information integration technologies

– We can help transform joint theater logistics management to a real-time logistics information system