Discovering autonomous structures within complex networks of work systems

Modern theories propose autonomous structures as building blocks of next-generation manufacturing systems. However, their size and scope are not agreed upon and remain a subject of research. The paper presents a method for discovering autonomous structures within existing manufacturing systems. Firstly, it is shown how a complex network model of a manufacturing system can be obtained. Then, a method for discovering structure in complex networks is applied in order to find cohesive subnetworks – candidates for the formation of autonomous work systems. The approach is illustrated in a case study of engineer-to-order production.