Self-Optimizing Decision-Making in Production Control

This paper deals with the concept for self-optimizing decision-making in production planning and control. The concept is based on a value stream that provides real-time production data. This data enables a qualified decision regarding production planning and control. Practice has shown that production systems with a high production process complexity—such as job shop production with low volume production—are difficult to control automatically. Therefore, employees have an important role to play but need to be supported regarding their decision-making. The goal is to highlight relevant decisions and put them into the correct context. An unconventional and interactive illustration that abandons classic numerical key performance indicators helps to derive the correct decisions. Varying levels of detail regarding the depicted data allow the user to “zoom” in or out of the state of his production system. By support of simulation and visualization tools, the aim of this paper is to present a concept for self-optimizing decision-making in production control in order to help user making the right decision.