This paper presents a discussion of the variables affecting the control of a group technology, cellular manufacturing system. The control function is partitioned into cell loading and cell scheduling. The variables affecting the control of a cellular manufacturing system include the characteristics that describe the physical cellular system and the characteristics that describe the jobs. In addition, the paper reviews many of the advantages and disadvantages of cellular manufacturing, and the implied assumptions. Finally, a brief discussion of the problems associated with the techniques for the successful loading and scheduling of the cellular manufacturing system is presented.