Goal-resource networks and their application to agents communication and co-ordination in virtual enterprises

The concept of 3rd generation ERP system is discussed. In this context a goal-resource network is introduced to take into account agents types while exchanging resources. Primarily, main reasons and properties of agent communications, as well as basic prerequisites of multi-agent systems formation are stated. Key resource definitions, classifications and properties are discussed. A new classification of agent types based on theirs capacities to generate individual and joint goals is suggested. It underlies the introduced definition of Goal-Resource Network (GRN) that extends Kuznetsov's Resource Network (RN). Some basic versions of goal-resource links between agents are studied. Two theorems about GRN limit states are demonstrated. An example of applying multi-agent approach and GRN to solve the problem of agents co-ordination in virtual enterprises is given