This paper presents benefits of multi-agent system approach and its application to the distribution automation system. Special attention is devoted to the description of hardware and communication platform used to upgrade the conventional distribution automation system structure. Service restoration of primary distribution system is selected as an example of the multi-agent system application. Application of the algorithm for multi-agent based service restoration technique is disclosed in detail. Real field test in Gochang test center of KEPCO has been performed to establish the feasibility of proposed technique.