Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/44921
Title: Streamlining material flow in flexible manufacturing systems: A lesson in simplicity
Authors: Co, Henry 
Issue Date: 1992
Citation: Co, Henry (1992). Streamlining material flow in flexible manufacturing systems: A lesson in simplicity. International Journal of Production Research 30 (7) : 1483-1499. ScholarBank@NUS Repository.
Abstract: The flexible manufacturing system (FMS) represents an important new development in computerized manufacturing systems. Since its inception, researchers and practitioners alike have found managing FMSs more complex than managing hard-wired automation or stand-alone machines. Complexity arises from the perceived need to exploit the production-scope flexibility of the FMS to its fullest potential. This paper presents some analytical insights on the benefits of restricting this flexibility, and offers a methodology for streamlining the material flow. Curtailing the production-scope flexibility shifts the emphasis in material handling, buffer storage, and distributed-computer control to process planning and simplifying and automating the system changeover. From the system operation standpoint, streamlining the material flow simplifies production planning and control. Instead of having to deal with the complexities associated with jobshop scheduling, the problem reduces to that of balancing the programmable flow shop, and the sequencing of the batches to minimize changeover time or cost.
Source Title: International Journal of Production Research
URI: http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/44921
ISSN: 00207543
Appears in Collections:Staff Publications

Show full item record
Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.

Google ScholarTM

Check


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.