In manufacturing, a system is a combination of parts or components, which work together to control a task or activity. All systems have inputs, a process, and outputs.
Most systems need to be controlled in some way, this is usually handled by a feedback loop. a feedback loop checks the outputs and feeds the information back into the system. This is called a closed-loop system.
The most basic type of system is called an open-loop system, while the more complex systems are closed-loop.
Open-Loop and Closed-Loop
In this type of system, the input triggers the process and the process controls the output. The diagram shows an open-loop system in manufacturing. Like an open-loop, closed-loop systems have inputs, processes and outputs, but they also have another element called feedback.
- Digital control systems use a programme or series of commands to control the system’s functioning.
- All systems have three main elements, inputs, processes and outputs.