TOWARDS AVOIDING FRUSTRATION, DISAPPOINTMENT DELAY AND COST OVER-RUN IN ESTABLISHING FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEM
An analysis of over 40 flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) being implemented today shows that on average 40% of the benefits predicted for an FMS are in fact achievable or have been achieved before the FMS is delivered and often within 6 months. This is because the planning process itself has highlighted existing custom and practice which is detrimental to cost and can be put right without major investment. A further 20% of the benefits are achieved over the following 12-18 months as the new layouts, procedures and equipment are installed. The remaining 40% comes only as the forecast volume of orders on production materializes. The key point is that real short term benefits are being achieved by planning complexity out, by re-arranging layouts and shop practice in simpler ways with existing equipment before the high technology arrives. The real success of FMS is its way of thinking and application, not its technology.
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Supplemental Notes:
- ISATA 84, "In Pursuit of Technical Excellence". Proceedings Volume 2. International Symposium on Automotive Technology and Automation with particular reference to Vehicle Management Systems and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Milan, Italy 24-28 September 1984.
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Corporate Authors:
Automotive Automotion Limited
42 Lloyd Park Avenue
Croydon CRO 5SB, Surrey, EnglandAlfa Romeo Auto SpA
Milan, Italy -
Authors:
- Brown, CRW
- Dempsey, P A
- Publication Date: 1984
Media Info
- Features: Figures; References;
- Pagination: 20 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Automobile industry; Benefits; Flexibility; Manufacturing; Planning
- Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00399945
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report/Paper Numbers: ISATA 84067, HS-038 485
- Files: HSL, USDOT
- Created Date: Nov 30 1985 12:00AM