Quantification metrics for measuring the maturity of production processes

Having metrics to evaluate progress and verify solution approaches is a significant advantage in all fields of science and engineering. Measuring the maturity of a manufacturing process, considering the possible changes that can be made is essential for assessing progress toward a more mature production process. Suppose that we add sensors or actuators to the manufacturing process or implement software changes, such as modifying process parameters, adjusting control policies, or altering initial conditions. In that case, we need formal definitions for measuring the process’s maturity after these modifications. To address this, we applied definitions from control theory to develop formal mathematical metrics to evaluate process maturity. We introduce the concepts of Elucidability,Forcability, and Supervisability, which are ostensive, interpretable, and based on quantifiable or estimable measures. These metrics provide a formalized approach to assessing process maturity by integrating both technical and economic considerations. Finally, we showcase the effectiveness of our definitions by assessing the maturity of an Electric Arc Furnace system.