Multi-Loop Feedback Hierarchy involving Human Workers in Manufacturing Processes

In manufacturing environments today, automated machinery is working alongside human workers. In many cases computers and humans oversee different aspects of the same manufacturing steps, subprocesses, and processes. This paper identifies different feedback loops in manufacturing and organises them in terms of their time horizon and degree of automation versus human involvement. Four different feedback loops are identified and described in those criteria. The data flow in this feedback loops is further characterised by features commonly associated with Big Data. Velocity, volume, variety, and veracity are used to describe, compare, and identify differences in the data flows.