Flexibility is a catch-all phrase used in manufacturing to characterise a manufacturing system's capacity to alter to better manage idiosyncrasies like mixed parts, differences in assembly, variations in process sequence, production volume changes, design modifications, and other changes. Manufacturing systems that are adaptable are becoming increasingly prevalent. It is based on the notion of flexibility, which allows the system to respond to changes as they occur. A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a manufacturing process that can easily adjust to variations in the type and amount of the product being produced. Machines and automated systems can be set up to make a wide range of parts and handle varying production levels. It has the potential to increase efficiency and consequently reduce a company's production costs. An FMS system, on the other hand, is more expensive to develop and install, and it requires professional specialists to maintain.
This book, based on the state of art knowledge, represents a major step in understanding the science of various aspects of flexible manufacturing systems. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex theories and principles in this field. It explores all the important aspects in the present day scenario. It deals with pallets, fixtures, machines, work-handling, system layouts and benefits. It also explores simulation modelling, network of queue modelling, automation in production systems, industrial control systems and analysis of FMS systems. Such selected concepts that redefine this field have been presented in this book. For all those who are interested in flexible manufacturing systems, this book can prove to be an essential guide.
Preface
1. Introduction
1. Flexibility concept: different approaches
2. What is flexible manufacturing?
3. Beyond flexible manufacturing
4. Characteristics of flexible manufacturing system
5. The strategic role of FMS: multicriteriality
6. Evaluation of the competitive dimensions
7. Need for flexible manufacturing system (FMS)
8. Conclusion
References
2. Flexible Manufacturing Systems: Their Development and Benefits
1. Introduction
2. FMS applications
3. FMS benefits
4. Transporting work pieces around FMS
5. Agile manufacturing
6. Conclusion
References
3. Pallets, Fixtures, and Machines
1. Introduction
2. Pallet
3. Fixture
4. Machine
5. Conclusion
References
4. Work-Handling and System Layouts
1. Introduction
2. Material handling
3. Devices used for handling of materials
4. Objectives of materials handling processes
5. Basic materials handling systems
6. Functions of materials handling
7. Costs included in material handling
8. Systems concept for materials handling
9. Steps in analysing materials handling problems
10. Activity areas of materials handling
11. Relationship of materials handling with other departments
12. Layout
13. Classification and advantages of plant layout
14. Objectives of good plant layout
15. Merits of a good plant layout
16. Types of layouts
17. Relation between plant layout and material handling
18. Conclusion
References
5. Simulation Modelling
1. Introduction
2. A classification of stochastic processes
3. Techniques for the steady state simulation
4. Simulation software selection
5. Simulation-based optimization techniques
6. Metamodeling and the goal seeking problems
7. Conclusion
References
6. Network of Queue Modeling
1. Introduction
2. Characteristics of queueing systems
3. Elements of queuing systems
4. Conclusion
References
7. Automation in Production Systems
1. Introduction
2. Automated manufacturing systems
3. Computerized manufacturing support systems
4. Manual labor in production systems
5. Labor in manufacturing support systems
6. Automation principles and strategies
7. Automation migration strategy
8. Automation and control technologies
9. Advanced automation functions
10. Levels of automation
11. Conclusion
References
8. Industrial Control Systems
1. Introduction
2. Discrete controllers
3. Components of an industrial control system (ics) environment
4. Types of industrial control systems
5. Exploring industrial control systems security & its significance
6. Integrated quality assurance (qa)
7. Conclusion
References
9. Manufacturing Cells
1. Introduction
2. Cell design
3. Benefits of cellular manufacturing
4. Types of lean manufacturing cells
5. Limitations
6. The impact of cellular manufacturing on workers
7. Manufacturing cells can eliminate wastes
8. Conclusion
References
10. Quantitative Analysis of FMS Systems
1. Introduction
2. Bottleneck model
3. What is operations research?
4. The operations research approach
5. O.R. in the real world
6. Conclusion
References
Index
Latasha Roach is a Research Professor at Technical Institute, Leeds. She received her Ph.D. in Management Systems Engineering from Science University, Lucerne. Her research interests include modelling of production systems, flexible manufacturing, quality, reliability and maintenance management. Roach has written several technical papers on manufacturing engineering for which she won the "Distinguished Student Award". She has been a keynote speaker at numerous conferences and seminars.
