Assistant-based mobile supply chain management

Abstract

This paper describes our approach for changing the way supply chain management is performed today. We aim to support human interactors with software assistants which will perform most of the tedious tasks like negotiating on new contracts, handling and altering production workflows or managing the stock. Additionally, our assistants will have the ability to move from one machine to another allowing a more flexible transfer of information and new ways for handling specific tasks. The owner of those assistants can be informed at any time by allowing its representative to move back to his notebook, PDA or mobile phone and presenting some results. Or the assistant may ask for advice in case of an error