Requirements

The observed data exchange patterns give rise to specific requirements that must be  in the BDI architectural design:

Dynamic order-driven instances

The creation and dissolution of (virtual) operational network instances must be dynamic and driven by individual orders. Each order may involve a unique set of parties, resulting in a different set of participants in each instance.

• In practice, the frequent use of sub-subcontracting means that the number of involved parties is fluid. New subcontractors, who were not initially identified, may join the network at a later stage. This introduces significant challenges in managing Identity, Authentication, and Authorization (IAA) and Trust, especially in a globalized economy where these subcontractors may originate from unknown backgrounds. How can trust be established with entities that appear unexpectedly?

Multiple concurrent instances

Each entity participates in data exchanges in multiple concurrent instances, which are virtually isolated from each other.

• For example, a company might execute several orders at the same time, with each order representing a different operational instance. Larger enterprises often operate across multiple sectors simultaneously, further increasing the complexity of managing these isolated yet concurrent data exchanges.

Controlled event-driven exchange

Controlled, event-driven exchange of operational data within an instance.

• Controlled means: control over the value of data as exchanged. The value of data is context, time and agency dependent, so control means control over these aspects.

Specific semantics, rules and regulations

Each instance should allow for the application of specific semantics, regulations, and rules of engagement. Innovation, competitiveness, and profitability often hinge on a company’s ability to differentiate itself, specialize, and develop new offerings. This freedom to innovate is critical in today’s market landscape.

Representation and Professional Qualifications

Both people and IT systems act as representatives of legal entities. There is a pressing need for instant verification of these representatives’ authority (mandate) within processes, whether they are handled by IT systems or human agents. In cases where professional qualifications are required, human representatives or entities themselves must also be able to prove their credentials real-time.