A distributed control system for use in an assembly line grow pod includes a master controller and a hardware controller device. The master controller includes a first processor and a first memory for storing a first set of instructions that dictates plant growing operations and a second set of instructions that dictates a plurality of distributed control functions. The hardware controller device is coupled to the master controller via a plug-in network interface. The hardware controller device includes a second processor and a second memory for storing a third set of instructions that dictate a selected control function of the plurality of distributed control functions. Upon the plug-in connection, the master controller identifies an address of the hardware controller device and sends a set of parameters defining a plurality of tasks relating to the selected control function.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for performing target parameter analysis for an assembly line including a plurality of stations. One method includes receiving, with an electronic processor, training data associated with the assembly line. The training data including a plurality of attributes. The method also includes receiving, with the electronic processor, value addition data for each of the plurality of stations. The value addition data for each of the plurality of stations specifying a non-negative value added by each of the plurality of stations. The method also includes learning, with the electronic processor, a decision tree based on the training data and the value addition data. The method also includes performing the target parameter analysis based on the decision tree.