Applying Graph Theory and the Product State Concept in Manufacturing

The product state concept offers a new perspective on manufacturing programmes by focusing on the sub-sequent states of a product throughout the different stages. An elementary part of the concept are the (inter-)relations between product states along the process chain. In order to utilize the advantages this concept offers, graph theory, as a method with corresponding requirements towards data organization, is applied in a theoretical example. The preliminary findings indicate that graph theory may be a promising addition to the product state concept supporting transparency and in the long run quality of a manufacturing programme.