The measurement and use of operational flexibility in the loading of Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Article Abstract:

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) should be as modular as job shops andas efficient as standard production lines. An evaluation of current FMSs show that the technology is improperly utilized and thus fails to provide an actual strategic advantage. Three operational flexibility measures were then derived for evaluating FMS characteristics. These include the actual production route, potential routes and capacity flexibility measures. It was shown that minimum cost objectives can result in lower inventory levels and higher routing flexibilities without negatively affecting flexibility.

Evaluation

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The measurement of manufacturing flexibility

Article Abstract:

A top-management flexible manufacturing system (FMS) flexibility evaluation methodology is developed using 34 flexibility factors. Factor-analysis has reduced the number of factors to 21 which affect nine FMS concerns. Empirical data from a survey has shown that the developed methodology is viable and could provide a standardized means of quantifying manufacturing flexibility. Further research on lower level samplings and further validation is suggested for the improvement of the system.

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Stochastic analysis of flexible process choices

Article Abstract:

A stochastic linear programming method for discrete part manufacturing which maximizes expected net present value over a range of demand situations is developed. An optimal investment scheduling system is made available for alternative production processes that consider product demand fluctuations and demand correlations between products having a common production process. The model is applicable for a multi-product environment with alternative production routes and variable demands.

Linear programming, Usage

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