Abstract: A control system for a printing plant comprising a central computer and a plurality of substantially identical peripheral computers. The central computer has a memory including a table defining the functions of each peripheral computer. The table is transmitted for storage in definition memories of the peripheral computers. The table includes a list of allowed or non-allowed interface units for each of the peripheral computers. Each of the peripheral computers includes an array of connectors for interfacing with auxiliary equipment. Each peripheral computer is capable of polling the busy or non-busy status of each connector and utilizing that information in conjunction with information in the definition memory to determine the functions assigned to it.