Practical Implications of the Weak Signals Concept for Control System of Production Projects Execution

Abstract:

A weak signal is the carrier of a message to specific parameters of an object, system, process or production project. Activation of this sort of data and its further transformation into useful information (knowledge) allows to anticipate future environment variables and record early symptoms of potential changes in the plan of a project. The concept of weak signals is the starting point for constructing an early warning system as a tool for monitoring possible threats in a control system of production projects execution. An important element of early warning of imbalances/disruptions is a module monitoring production processes. Wear and tear diagnostics of a control system of production project execution requires a systemic approach. The purpose of this article is to present solutions dedicated for constant monitoring of machinery and equipment in a production system, as well as the flow of materials and information in processes. Therefore, a synthetic approach was proposed, based on the use of measuring systems risk analysis, and the earned value method which allows to control the project completion stages (work progress). Early identification of weak signals, their proper assessment and estimation of a forecast of future conditions require taking appropriate real-time actions. Proactive steps translate into effectiveness of production projects execution.