# Manufacturer Channel Encroachment and Evolution in E-Platform Supply Chain: An Agent-Based Model
## 2 Literature Review
### Agent-Based Modelling  
[PERSON] and [PERSON] earlier proposed the theory and application of intelligent agents, noting that they are more often used at a concrete level for human concepts or conceptualizations of realizations, in addition to representing the meaning of software or hardware in computer systems [3].  
Agent-based modelling has been well used in the study of supply chains. [PERSON] et al. developed a multi-product, multi-retailer model to analyse the evolution of supply chains under demand uncertainty and channel competition [4]. For a multi-product supplier selection setting, [PERSON] et al. created an intelligent agent model to automate the supplier selection process with synergistic benefits [5]. In order to examine the issue of project-driven supply chains under conditions of information asymmetry and decentralized decision-making, [PERSON] and [PERSON] combine an agent-based method with evolutionary algorithms [6]. [PERSON] et al. created a three-way agent model to examine how government laws and individual green-product purchase behaviour impact producers' greenness decisions and market evolution features [7]. To solve the optimization problem of make-to-order scenarios in supply chains, an agent-based heuristic algorithm was further proposed by [PERSON] et al. to improve the efficiency of problem-solving [8].  
Problems related to e-commerce can also be solved using intelligent agent modelling. Using agent modelling and simulation to analyse the user behaviour on B2C e-commerce websites, [PERSON] et al. improved the assessment of online sales systems [9]. [PERSON] et al. developed an agent-based model that combines similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and network structure to study the sales strategies of e-retailers [10]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] built a mathematical model of adaptable negotiating methods based on intelligence and show how effective the strategies are [11]. [PERSON] et al. examined horizontal and vertical differentiation while studying the problem of manufacturer channel strategy in e-commerce supply chains using an intelligent agent-based model [12]. [PERSON] et al. present an agent-based model of cross-border e-commerce in China, simulating real markets and exploring possible future configurations [13]. Agent modelling is also applicable to the study of collective diffusion. [PERSON] et al. employed smart agent modelling to investigate the evolution of market share in a multi-brand online marketplace [14]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] discussed the competition under the platform product encroachment in the e-platform and the product innovation strategies of third-party sellers [15]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] proposed a structured model-driven approach to develop agent-oriented software through elemental transformations, providing Tropos with a business and model-driven perspective, allowing full traceability of elements from strategic to operational levels [16]. Multi-agent modelling methods have also been applied to medical management. In order to reduce the waste of medical resources in the hospital, [PERSON] et al. constructed a software solution based on a multi-agent system, which optimizes the hospital's bed management and coordination, and is beneficial to the hospital's long-term strategy [17].  
It can be seen that the agent-based model simulation can effectively solve complex problems in supply chains and can better restore the problem context by building a multi-subject environment. This method has not been applied to the channel encroachment problem in e-commerce in previous studies. In this paper, agent-based modelling combined with genetic algorithms is used to simulate the decision-making and evolutionary process of subjects in the e-commerce supply chain.