Programs and systems that participate in shop-floor control, including programmed logic controllers and process control computers for direct and supervisory control of manufacturing equipment; process information systems that gather historical performance information, then generate reports; graphical displays; and alarms that inform operations personnel what is going on in the plant currently and a short history into the past. Quality control information is also gathered – a laboratory information management system may be part of this configuration to tie process conditions to the quality data that are generated. Thereby, cause-and-effect relationships can be determined. The quality data at times affect the control parameters that are used to meet product specifications, either dynamically or offline.

Top Online Marketplaces in Africa: A Complete Guide 2026
Table of Contents Introduction Africa’s digital commerce sector is entering a defining phase. By 2026, the continent’s online marketplaces are not only competing for consumers but also shaping logistics, payments, and digital trust. With smartphone penetration surpassing 50% and rapid improvements in digital infrastructure, platforms like Jumia, Takealot, Konga, Kilimall,