Many production processes require specific control variables to be kep
t at preset values. The variables are often subject to random influenc
es and being off-target is generally associated with costs. The great
majority of papers in this area have considered symmetric cost functio
ns which take the mean value as target. When there is asymmetry in the
cost function the target value needs to be adjusted to minimize the e
xpected cost. This is demonstrated in the present article and illustra
ted with an application in the manufacture of construction panels. A t
able of adjustment factors is given.