Optimization of Order Flow through Virtual Enterprises

Enterprises unite and become so-called virtual enterprises (VE) in order to benefit from market potentials which they could never reach on their own. The operation of VEs, however, is not supported by existing PPC systems. These systems allow neither a flexible communication with systems of other enterprises, nor the synchronisation of master production schedules in a VE. This article presents a system based on evolutionary algorithms and automated negotiations concerning tendering and the planning of (customer) orders in VE. The application areas of this system are explained by means of VE in semiconductor industry.