The use of numerical analysis to classify companies according to production control complexity.

This is the first of two papers describing an approach to assessing the effectiveness of production control systems in defined company types. A method of classification according to production control complexity is developed, leading to the definition of six basic company classifications within the engineering batch-manufacturing sector. It is proposed that these groups should form the basis for a standardized approach to system design; this will be discussed further in the second paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]