REMARKS ON THE DEGREE OF AUTOMATION OF CH EMICAL PROCESSES

In the discussion of lean production, the degree of automation is very often called into question. Overengineering of automation functions i s often presupposed. In order to rationalize this discussion, this con tribution outlines the broad spectrum of automation functions automati on principles and automation structures. On this basis, terms like the degree of automation, the connectivity of automation function, etc. a re defined. These terms build the basis of the adequate choice of the degree of automation. Factors determining this choice and its conseque nces are described.