Using the CompleXity Index to discuss improvements at work: A case study in an automotive company

Paper in proceeding, 2016

Many companies strive to increase their results and competitiveness. Working with improvements can entail better results and so can attracting customers through increasing the product variants. An increased number of variants implies a higher complexity for the operators. CompleXity Index (CXI) is a method which measures perceived production complexity. It was applied in the assembly and material handling department at a manufacturer in the vehicle industry, followed by workshops. The aim is, based on the results, to investigate if CXI could be used both to capture and transmit a current situation and be used by the operators and managers for improvement work. A high CXI level was measured for most of the production areas. The areas were mainly perceived as complex due to product variants and layout. The workshops reveal that the operators felt identified with the results and thought the method could be used to discuss their situation in detail. CXI was found capable of transmitting the operators’ perception. Finally, it was also discussed how CXI could be used for improvement work in assembly areas.