Automatic Production Control

Control theory provides excellent tools to analyse and control dynamic systems. Using the funnel model and the theory of the logistic operating curve a continuous model of a single production system has been developed. Based on this model an extended model for several work systems connected via the material flow was designed. For a single work system a backlog as well as wip controller has been developed. The controller interacts to adjust the capacity of the work system to eliminate the backlog as soon as possible. Simulation experiments confirm that this concept ensures the synchronisation of capacity and work. A suggestion to integrate the strategy into production planning and control (PPC) on the planning level has been generated. The objective of this approach is to develop the present open loop control realised in PPC into a closed loop control with defined control and reference variables.