Integrating statistical process monitoring with feedforward control

Feedforward control is a particular form of engineering process control. If a known input variable z_t can be measured and appropriate relationships built between the input variable, a compensatory variable x_t, and the desired output y_t, then a feedforward control system can be developed. Using feedforward control, we show under both sudden jump shifts and trends in the mean of the input and compensatory variables that the use of statistical process monitoring tools, such as the exponentially‐weighted moving average and the cumulative sum (CUSUM), significantly reduces variability in both the output variable and the controller relative to the use of feedforward control alone. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.