Systems and Delays

In terms of control theory, the order "delay" is actually a simple filter. What leads to bad outcomes is exactly the described scenario, when the control response too fast for the system, overcorrecting and oscillating. Increasing the order filtering dampens the control response.

For people interested in the related math, "Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos" by Steven Strogatz is a great book! Pdfs abound online.

Reminds me of The Beer Game https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_distribution_game

very interesting read, key takeaway, delays are not always bad! Definitely something to think about in 2026