Control of sustainable production systems

Controlling a system involves deciding on the values of input signals and, where appropriate, internal variables, so as to follow a trajectory that best enables it to achieve the objectives assigned to it; continuously correcting deviations from the trajectory; and, where necessary, modifying the trajectory, or even the objective, when information on the external universe and on the system's behavior shows that the initial objectives cannot be maintained. Control is an application of this steering at the lowest level of the time horizons covered by industrial engineering (real time, operational). It is generally accepted that, historically, the main mission of control was to achieve planned production in a dynamic, disturbed environment. However, it can no longer be reduced to the functions of monitoring and scheduling production, insofar as the impact and diversity of disturbances, coupled with the growing complexity of industrial processes and societal demands, are generating increasing constraints and risks for production guarantees.

At the time of writing, many developments and programs fall within the framework of Industry 4.0, and reflections are underway on Industry 5.0. Observers and players in these latest "industrial revolutions" are debating their differences. Some of these players take a techno-anthropocentric view, considering that Industry 4.0 is based on production resulting from the intelligence of new technologies and their interconnection, while Industry 5.0 will be characterized by cooperation between human beings and these technologies. Others take a more systemic view, believing that industry can only have a future if it serves sustainable development. In both cases, the question arises as to the role of management, and more specifically the management of systems for the production of goods and services. This management must be carried out with a certain level of cooperation between human beings and increasingly intelligent technologies, and contribute to reducing production system inputs, limiting pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, controlling industrial and environmental risks, reducing waste, and using renewable energies.

In this article, the fundamental principles of production system management are presented, and a few solutions for equipping this management with the capacity for transition and adaptation to these challenges are outlined. This will be illustrated by a case study.