// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Production Control
Production control is the function that manages and coordinates the manufacturing process, ensuring that production targets are met efficiently. It involves planning, scheduling, and monitoring production activities.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Production Control is the management function responsible for planning, scheduling, dispatching, monitoring, and adjusting manufacturing operations to ensure efficient resource utilization, timely completion of products, and adherence to production targets and quality standards, often integrated with ERP and MES systems.
BACKGROUND
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR, Industry 4.0 or the Intelligence Age, is a neologism describing rapid technological advancement in the 21st century. It follows the Third Industrial Revolution. The term was popularized in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum founder and former executive chairman, who asserts that these developments represent a significant shift in industrial capitalism.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Manufacturing control
- Shop floor control
- Production management
- Operations control
USAGE NOTE
Effective production control is essential for meeting customer delivery dates and managing inventory.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Production Control.
Siemens provides comprehensive solutions for production control, including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Process Control Systems (PCS 7), and the Xcelerator portfolio, which leverages digital twins, AI, and automation to optimize production processes, aligning with Industry 5.0 principles of human-centric and sustainable manufacturing.
Rockwell Automation offers the FactoryTalk suite of software, which provides integrated production control capabilities including MES, SCADA, and analytics to optimize manufacturing operations. Their focus on connected enterprises and intelligent automation supports resilient and efficient production in an Industry 5.0 context.
Schneider Electric develops EcoStruxure for Industry, a platform that includes solutions for manufacturing operations management, process automation, and industrial software. These tools enable real-time production control, energy management, and operational efficiency, contributing to sustainable and agile manufacturing environments.
Through its DELMIA brand, Dassault Systèmes provides manufacturing operations management (MOM) solutions, including planning, scheduling, and production execution control. Their 3DEXPERIENCE platform enables digital continuity and virtual twin experiences for optimizing production flow and workforce collaboration.
SAP offers advanced solutions for production planning, execution, and control through its SAP Manufacturing Suite, including SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing and SAP Digital Manufacturing Cloud. These systems integrate with ERP to provide end-to-end visibility and control, leveraging AI and IoT for smart, adaptive production.
ABB provides extensive industrial automation and control systems, including their Ability™ platform for manufacturing operations management and distributed control systems (DCS). Their technologies enable precise production control, robot integration, and operational efficiency, supporting autonomous and human-robot collaborative factories.
Honeywell Process Solutions delivers comprehensive control systems like Experion® PKS, as well as MES solutions for various industries. Their focus on industrial IoT, data analytics, and operational technology helps optimize production processes, improve safety, and enhance overall plant performance.
GE Digital develops software solutions for industrial operations, including its Plant Applications MES and Proficy suite. These tools provide capabilities for production visibility, quality management, and performance optimization, enabling manufacturers to exert precise control over their production lines and assets.