Localization of latent influences in immature cyber physical systems

Immature processes are often plagued by latent noise sources which prevent the system from performing with the required productivity and product quality. Locating them within the system in order to then instrument, remove or control for them is usually a costly and time consuming endeavor. Therefore, there is a need for a unifying methodology and techniques to optimize such systems and cut down on development costs. Depending on the system at hand, on varying amounts of initial knowledge about the system as well as the characteristics of the latent influence, different approaches for locating these latent influences need to be considered. In this work, we conceptually explore different approaches for locating latent influences with regards to different sets of prerequisites. Furthermore, we provide a general methodological approach which can be customized to fit to specific systems.