Flexible Manufacturing

Although the concept of flexible manufacturing has been around for over twenty years, applications have until recently been expensive and unique. Developments over the last five years, however, have made widespread applications of flexible manufacturing systems achievable. This book is intended to inform industry's decision-makers of the extent of advances and how to increase both the flexibility and the productivity of their production system.


Not only is a comprehensive overview of the relevant concepts given, but also practical details on the implementation of a flexible manufacturing system and discussion of the benefit such a system can carry. The book avoids much of the jargon in this area, and the presentation is direct and clear. Many illustrations aid understanding, making this an ideal primer for engineers, executives and students who need to know both what flexible manufacturing is and how such systems work before deciding whether such technology is applicable to their own operation. The author's experience in the development and integration of flexible manufacturing projects worldwide is evident in this text, making it an extremely authoritative and informative book.