Neither push nor pull: state-feedback control for production systems

Abstract

Operations management techniques can benefit from integration of control theory methods when dealing with production and supply chain networks dynamics. In this context, we revisit a bond-graph based mathematical model that is able to capture the dynamics of multi-workstation production systems, and propose a state feedback control design to maintain work in process at desired levels. The closed loop performance of this real case inspired model was explored and simulations with the introduction of a disturbance in the production system were carried out. The proposed control design results in a disturbance-oriented behaviour that has advantages over pure push or pull systems commonly used in Production Planning and Control (PPC). In the given case, the results revealed that the model can provide prescriptive capacity adjustments and can help to define appropriate reference levels for the work in process in dynamic production environments.