Functions and interfaces in a flexible production planning and control system

Abstract

Production control systems with a future cannot function on the basis of planning only the simple aspects of production in as much detail as data acquisition and computing systems allow, rather than according to the needs, and not planning complicated aspects at all (or only roughly). The opportunities offered by modern production, organizational and computer technology can only be realized for production technology if the entire production process (effectively limited only by the company's limits) is seen as a single, complex production system, in which all subprocesses must be effectively integrated, regardless of how extensive, automated, predetermined, etc., the individual subprocesses are. This perpetual matching process needs a constant readiness and willingness to communicate. Communication must be seen as an opportunity to react flexibly to any situation, be it to catch up when lagging behind, or to give the next production stage a work advantage. One thing is certain: these opportunities will be lost if the only time dialogue takes place is when there is a need to document mistakes and allocate responsibility, or to ‘chase’ up again. Modelling techniques and a production planning and control system developed to overcome some of the above problems are described.