System for product-based control of production processes

The control of manufacturing systems is becoming increasingly complex, because of growing requirements with respect to flexibility and productivity as well as a decreasing predictability of processes. Despite the changing general conditions, the delivery reliability to the customer, as one of the logistic key performance indicators, is of growing relevance. The performance and flexibility of manufacturing systems for small-batch and customized production is therefore increasingly dependent on the adequate supply of up-to-date information related to their control. The paper presents a system for product-based control of production processes. Information concerning the product with regard to the configuration, the current state and the respective working processes are directly stored at the workpiece. A knowledge-based system allows the identification of product-related faults and the derivation of feasible actions. The hybrid control architecture integrates the product as an additional element of control and enables the consideration of product-specific data during order processing. A simulation study reveals the feasibility and benefit of the developed system by comparing logistic key performance indicators with a conventional job control.