A multilevel multilayer framework for manufacturing control

Abstract

As a contribution to the debate on CAPM reference models derived from control theory concepts, we formulate the basic computer-aided production management problem from a control theoretic point of view and examine the main difficulties in using this crude framework as a basis for decision-making. Next, different hierarchical approaches are shown to be potentially of value in overcoming the two main difficulties highlighted by the control theoretic paradigm, i.e. dimensionality and the discrete event nature of manufacturing systems. In this context, we examine the literature concerned with both multilevel control as well as multilayer control where the notion of aggregation plays a key role. Next, a mixture of multilevel and multilayer control is used to provide a framework for production planning and scheduling for multiline batch manufacture with application to detergents plants. This framework would appear to be of values also in discrete parts manufacture and this is also highlighted.