Impact of manufacturing flexibility on FMS performance: a simulation study

Abstract

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) can be utilised to deal with dynamic and uncertain production conditions. FMS is equipped with several computer-controlled machines interconnected by automated material handling systems to provide high productivity and manufacturing flexibility. In this paper, we present a simulation study to evaluate the effects of various system parameters, such as machine flexibility, routing flexibility and part population inside the system. More than 100 simulation experiments were carried out using simulation package Arena professional version 11.0. It is found that significant improvement in makespan performance of an FMS can be achieved by the optimum implementation of machine flexibility, routing flexibility and part population inside the system. This simulation study may be very useful in managing and controlling the shop floor to give enhanced quality and better productivity.