International Journal of Production Research · 1984 · 165 citations · 1 references
EngineeringIndustrial EngineeringManufacturing EngineeringManufacturing SystemsProduction EngineeringProduction SystemsFlexibility AssessmentFlexibility StrategyFlexible Manufacturing SystemsProcess Flexibility AnalysisProduct-process AlignmentStrategic FlexibilityFlexibilityFlexibility In Production SystemsFlexible ManufacturingFlexible Production SystemsManufacturing Systems DesignProcess FlexibilityProduction System ModelingProductivity
Rapid market changes and technological advances demand flexible production systems that can adapt to product variation quickly and cost‑effectively, balancing flexibility and productivity. The study aims to present methods for calculating flexibility levels, strategies for adopting a flexible product and process perspective, and illustrative examples from Swedish industry. The authors use analytical methods to calculate flexibility levels, propose strategies for flexible product and process design, and illustrate these with case studies from Swedish industry.
Drastic changes in market demands and rapid technological development have created a need for more flexible production systems and more complex products with a larger degree of variation. There is strong pressure towards the use of more and more mechanized and automated equipment, from single NC-machines to complete manufacturing systems. At the same time, there is a need for flexibility towards changes in the products. These changes have to be made in a limited time, and without the need for large reinvestments in the production system. This means that more often there must be discussion regarding flexibility versus productivity before the production system is designed. T will discuss methods for calculation of different flexibility levels, strategies for a more flexible view upon products and processes, and examples and results from different areas within the Swedish industry.
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