Design of a theoretical holistic system model as base of construction kits for building Plug&Produce-able modular production systems

With the aim of creating flexible and variable production systems, the concept of Plug&Produce contributes to changing markets. Increasing product diversity entails increasing mixes to be produced. Thus, flexibility in adapting production quickly to fluctuating demands in functionality and performance is required. The associated shortening of life cycles involves the requirement of variable production systems structures. To solve these tasks, holistic concepts are necessary on whose basis construction kits can be created which are necessary to built up those kinds of production systems. These concepts must all-embracing cover physical structure, processes and energy supply as well as process-, flow- and logistic-control. Since we are convinced that without a theoretical fundament this task cannot be accomplished, we present a holistic system model, based upon both, the analysis of the general system theory and the analysis of controlled systems.