CAPN — An Open Network of Production Control — Concept and Discussion

As a potential kernel of a controlling system of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) or general computer-integrated product processing (CIP) an open network model of distributed and connected production contol modules is designed and discussed with regard of the following aspects and premises: networks of production processes with variable programs/product qualities and quantities, methods, lot sizes, schedules, ressourses, and financing are primary objects of planning and control;hierarchical and heterarchical institutions of planning and control develop, change and purse conflicting goals in a polycentric and in-acting systems;knowledge-and-computer-based methods like heuristics, simlators, sub-optimizers, and interactive adaptive control systems are applied to support single and group decision processes to structurize and control product processing in coordination with financing;computer-based communication techniques (local area networks, connected data and program systems) help to coordinate partial and general production plans in an open way;the computer aided planning network (CAPN) interacts with central accounting systems and related superior institutions within the management system of the firm.