Good day everyone.
I just came back to PZ after several years and may say that the game has grown inmensely, and that Super Survivors adds a whole new dimension to it and makes it really, really fun.
That said, the companion management could use some improvement. I agree in that taking direct control over them is unrealistic, but even if the "orders" option is fitting maybe during the first days of play it becomes a nuissance quickly. After a few weeks, specially when the group has stablished a permanent colony and the player has several survivors under its wing, a more straightforward method is necesary.
So I suggest a planning board not unlike the Job Board in the Dead State game:
Maybe you can craft it with a board and some paint, or find one in a school or store. You can install it in a wall and use it to set different jobs to your companions. There is no need to chase them, nagging them about what jobs must be done. In a growing, civilized group everyone should happily do their part!