Why does it make sense to address the problems of planning and control in a manufacturing system with a hierarchical system? What would a nonhierarchical system look like?

To better understand the problem, let's first define the terms "planning" and "control" in the context of a manufacturing system. Planning: It refers to the process of creating, organizing, and executing a strategic plan to meet the goals and requirements of the manufacturing process. This includes deciding on the resources needed, the allocation of those resources, and the scheduling and sequencing of tasks. Control: It refers to the process of monitoring, adjusting, and managing the manufacturing system to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the plan is successfully executed.

A hierarchical system is one where processes and decision-making are organized into different levels or layers. Each layer has a specific function and control, and communication flows between the layers in a structured manner. The higher layers are responsible for making decisions and formulating plans, while the lower layers are responsible for executing the plans and passing information back up to the higher layers.

The key reasons for using a hierarchical system in addressing the planning and control problems in a manufacturing system are as follows: 1. Clear division of responsibilities: Each layer in the hierarchy is specialized and dedicated to a specific function. This ensures that decision-making is faster, and there is lesser room for confusion or miscommunication. 2. Scalability: Hierarchical systems can be easily scaled to accommodate larger or more complex manufacturing processes. Additional layers can be added to manage more responsibilities and simplify the overall structure. 3. Adaptability: Since the hierarchical structure involves a well-defined flow of information, the systems can adjust and react more effectively to changes in the manufacturing process or market demands. 4. Coordination: Hierarchical systems facilitate better coordination between different departments and processes within the manufacturing system, ensuring a smooth workflow and efficient use of resources.

A nonhierarchical system would be a flat or networked structure, where there are little to no layers of hierarchy. In this type of system, planning and control would be distributed and managed collectively, which may lead to less clear division of responsibilities, less adaptability, and more difficulty in scaling. Decision-making might be slower as it needs collaboration from different parties, and communication might not flow as smoothly or efficiently. Overall, hierarchical systems are more suited for addressing planning and control problems in a manufacturing system as they offer better organization, scalability, and adaptability than nonhierarchical systems.