Complex systems theory: implications and promises for manufacturing organizations

This paper discusses the body of knowledge known as complex systems theory and its relevance to manufacturing organizations. It begins by addressing the development of systems thinking, in order to explore the different views on how systems should be studied. This initial commentary provides an introduction to the concepts of the complex systems theory approach, along with its various metaphors, tools and techniques. This is followed by a discussion on how manufacturing organizations conform to complex systems theory, and in particular complex adaptive systems. An account of the complex systems characteristics of manufacturing organizations, and the relationship between manufacturing complexity is also given. Finally, the paper concludes by discussing the potential application and advantage for manufacturing organizations from using a complex systems theory approach to model, understand and in some cases optimize manufacturing operations and strategy. © 2000 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.