A programmer controller is capable of having multiple ramp/dwell/ramp/... segments. However, the furnace might not be capable of following the program due to heater capacity, loading, and thermal lags. Eurotherm provides a feature so that the customer can determine how much the furnace will be permitted to deviate from the ramp/dwell program before the program is put into "hold" and it waits for the furnace to catch up. This feature is called "holdback" and it is available as a number above the program, below the program, or as a deviation band around the program.

Some customers may refer to this feature as a guaranteed soak capability.