Published by: sadikshya
Published date: 02 Jun 2021
A control system manages, commands direct, or regulates the behavior of other devices or systems using control loops. It can range from a single home heating controller using a thermostat controlling a domestic boiler to large Industrial control systems which are used for controlling processes or machines. when the goals and objectives of the organization have been carefully selected, trained and instructed, communication channels have been well set, control measures can be devised to see that the organization proceeds as expected and to help the organization and its managers to maintain the expected amount and quality of time.
The term “control system” in IT is commonly used to refer to systems that control physical hardware processes on a control loop. A control system typically operates on an open-loop or closed-loop model. A control system is a system of devices or set of devices, that manages, commands directs, or regulates the behavior of other devices or systems to achieve desired results. In other words, the definition of a control system can be simplified as a system, which controls other systems. As human civilization is being modernized day by day the demand for automation is increasing accordingly. Automation highly requires control of devices.
In recent years, control systems have played a central role in the development and advancement of modern technology and civilization. Practically every aspect of our day-to-day life is affected less or more by some control system. A bathroom toilet tank, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a geezer, an automatic iron, an automobile all are control systems. These systems are also used in industrial processes for more output. We find control systems in the quality control of products, weapons system, transportation systems, power system, space technology, robotics, and many more. The principles of control theory are applicable to both engineering and nonengineering field.
A control system is a set of mechanical or electronic devices that regulates other devices or systems by way of control loops. Typically, control systems are computerized. Control systems are a central part of the industry and of automation. Three types of control are used in the process of control, They are:
1. Feed-Forward Controls
Feedforward controls are future-directed — they attempt to detect and anticipate problems or deviations from the standards in advance of their occurrence (at various points throughout the processes). They are in-process controls and are much more active, aggressive in nature, allowing corrective action to be taken in advance of the problem. Feedforward controls thus anticipate problems and permit the action to be taken before a problem actually arises. Feedforward control devices are of two broad categories: diagnostic and therapeutic.
2. Concurrent (Prevention) Control
Concurrent control, also called steering control because it allows people to act on a process or activity while it is proceeding, not after it is proceeding, nor after it is completed. Corrections and adjustments can be made as and when they need arises. Such controls focus on establishing conditions that will make it difficult or impossible for deviations from norms to occur.
3. Feedback Controls
Feedback control is future-oriented. It is historical in nature and is also known as post-action control. The implication is that the measured activity has already occurred, and it is impossible to go back and correct performance to bring it up to standard. Rather, corrections must occur after the act. Such post-action controls focus on the end results of the process. The information derived is not utilized for corrective action on a project because it has already been completed. Such control provides information for a manager to examine and apply to future activities which are similar to the present one. The basic objective is to help prevent mistakes in the future.
The control process of management ensures that every activity of a business is furthering its goals. This process basically helps managers in evaluating their organization’s performance. By using it effectively, they can decide whether to change their plans or continue with them as they are. Controlling is one of the most important functions of management. Its main objective is to ensure that an organization’s activities are advancing as planned. The control process that all managers have to implement consists of several steps. Each one of these is equally important and plays a big role in ineffective management.
The control process consists of the following basic elements and steps:
1. Establishing goals and standards
The task of fixing goals and standards takes place while planning but it plays a big role in controlling also. This is because the main aim of controlling is to direct a business’s actions towards its goals. If the members of an organization know their goals clearly, they will invest their entire focus in achieving them. It is very important for managers to communicate their organization’s goals, standards, and objectives as clearly as possible. There must never be ambiguities amongst employees in this regard. If everybody works towards common goals, it becomes easier for an organization to flourish.
2. Measuring actual performance against goals and standards
Once managers know what their goals are, they should next measure their actual performance and compare. This step basically helps them in knowing whether their plans are working as intended. After implementing a plan, managers have to constantly monitor and evaluate them. They must always be ready to take corrective measures if things are not working properly. In order to do this, they should keep comparing their actual performance with their ultimate goals.
3. Taking corrective action
In case there are discrepancies between actual performances and goals, managers need to take corrective actions immediately. Timely corrective actions can reduce losses as well as prevent them from arising in the future again. Sometimes, business organizations formulate default corrective actions in the form of policies. This, however, can be difficult to do when it comes to complicated problems. In such cases, managers need to first quantify the defect and prepare a course of action to remedy it. Sometimes, they may have to take extraordinary measures for unpredictable problems.
4. Following up on corrective action
Just taking corrective measures is not enough; managers must also take them to their logical conclusion. Even this step requires thorough evaluations and comparisons. Managers should stick to the problem until they solve it. If they refer it to a subordinate, they must stay around and see to it that he completes the task. They may even mentor him personally so that he may be able to solve such problems by himself later.