Logistic Control Systems: LCS deals with the analysis of business processes, in order to acquire knowledge on the design and control of these business processes such that performance targets are achieved. Examples of such business processes are: · manufacturing processes at shopfloor level requiring knowledge about process planning, shopfloor scheduling, performance analysis of the manufacturing system in terms of relevant performance characteristics; · manufacturing processes at a supply chain level requiring knowledge about capacity management, demand management and material co-ordination; · R&D processes requiring knowledge about multi-project management, about the relations between design specifications and required workload; · planning processes, in particular the dialogue between planners at various levels in manufacturing organisations and the information systems that support their decision making; · service processes requiring knowledge about the design and control of workflows. It is important to note here that the research is not restricted to planning an control only; Design of business processes plays an important role as well. This is a result of the fact that one of the methodological routes taken is quantitative modelling. A quantitative model incorporating planning and control concepts usually enables to optimise design of business processes under the assumption of application of these concepts. |