A novel throughput control algorithm for semi-heterarchical industry 4.0 architecture

Abstract Modern market scenarios are imposing a radical change in the production concept, driving companies’ attention to customer satisfaction through increased product customization and quick response strategies maintain competitiveness. At same time, growing development of Industry 4.0 technologies made possible creation new manufacturing paradigms which an level autonomy is one key concepts consider. Taking advantage from recent around semi-heterarchical architecture, this work proposes first model for throughput control system managed by such architecture. A cascade algorithm proposed considering work-in-progress (WIP) as primary lever achieving specific target. It composed optimal law based on analytical considered system, secondary proportional-integral-derivative controller capable performing additional action that addresses error raised theoretical model’s. The has been tested different simulated scenarios, results showed combination actions it have continuous adjustment WIP controlled maintaining at minimum value required achieve requested with nearly zero errors.