Measuring the production range flexibility of a FMS

In order to ensure that the introduction of a flexible manufacturing system confers overall benefits to a company there is a need to be able to measure quantitatively and then control flexibility levels. Initially identifies the various types and levels of flexibility that are important to a manufacturing concern. Identifies production range flexibility as that defining the universe of part types that a manufacturing system can process. Proposes a methodology that will enable probability measures to be established for each type of flexibility that contributes to the production range flexibility of a manufacturing system. In addition measuring flexibilities in terms of probabilities enables quantitative relationships to be established between levels of flexibility. Concludes that the result is an integrated system for measuring flexibility that can be used at both the strategic and operational planning and control levels.