Abstract
The complexity of a production system is caused by two factors: by a time-independent poor design that causes low efficiency (system design), and by a timedependent reduction of system performance due to system deterioration or to market or technology changes (system dynamics). To optimize the efficiency and changeability of a production system, both factors must be considered. Starting from complexity theory, a procedure is presented in this paper that helps not only to design production Systems with low or zero time-independent complexity (focus: flexibility and efficiency), but also to prevent the unpredictable influences of the time-dependent combinatorial complexity by transforming it into a periodic review and adaptation of the system’s volume and variant capabilities (focus: agility). With the help of a practical industrial example the validity of the approach is illustrated.