The Axially Symmetric Divertor Experiment (ASDEX) Upgrade's digital systems for plant operation and real-time discharge control are described. Experience gained during development and operation is used to derive the structure of a reference discharge control system that serves as a target system to assess the impact of enhancements in the existing system. Within this context, the extension of supervision control from technical synchronization of dedicated controllers to physics-oriented coordination is discussed, and examples of technical and physical applications are shown.