Optimization of Product Development Process Based on Multi-agent Simulation

In order to improve dynamic process performance of the development project, human-centered simulation of product development process is realized based on multi-agent modeling principle. Based on the multi-agent simulation, process evaluation indices of the product development project are proposed, including planning deviation rate, process risk, and design error level. Algorithms of these indices based on the simulation process data are studied and realized in the simulation program. A real development project is simulated, and the simulation results show that the simulation evaluation indices can effectively reflect the process performance. Based on the simulation, further optimization analysis to improve the process performance is carried out by rearranging task-flow, human resource, and organization structure. The evaluation and optimization methods using multi-agent simulation provide a new way for the development project process analysis and improvement.