Proposing a holistic framework for the assessment and management of manufacturing complexity through data-centric and human-centric approaches

A multiplicity of factors including technological innovations, dynamic operating environments, and globalisation are all believed to contribute towards the ever-increasing complexity of manufacturing systems. Although complexity is necessary to meet functional needs, it is important to assess and monitor it to reduce life-cycle costs by simplifying designs and minimising failure modes. This research paper identifies and describes two key industrially relevant methods for assessing complexity, namely a data-centric approach using the information theoretic method and a human-centric approach based on surveys and questionnaires. The paper goes on to describe the benefits and shortcomings of each and contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a holistic framework that combines both assessment methods.