Advantages of the approach to flexible manufacturing system
A flexible manufacturing system is a manufacturing system where there is some amount of flexibility. This allows the system to react in case of changes whether they are predicted or unpredicted. It is an automated system that allows for changes in the production volume or the parts being manufactured. This enables any change at the last minute as well as flexibility for planned changes to parts type, quantity, or order of processes. Read on to learn more about flexible manufacturing systems and their advantages and disadvantages.
A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) consists of a group of processing workstations interconnected using an automated material handling and storage system and controlled by the integrated computer control system. The system is flexible since it is capable of processing a variety of different part styles simultaneously at the workstation and quantities of products can be adjusted in response to changing demand patterns.
Flexibility Generally Falls Into Two Categories And Both Of Them Contain Numerous Subcategories
- The first category is machine flexibility which covers the system’s ability to change the order of operations executed on a part.
- The second category is routing flexibility which consists of the ability to use multiple machines to perform the same operation on a part and also on the system’s ability to absorb large-scale changes in volume, capacity, or capability.
There are three main systems of FMS. The work machines which are often automated CNC machines are connected by a material handling system to optimize parts flow and the central control computer which controls material movements and machine flow.
FMS is highly flexible in managing manufacturing resources like time and effort to manufacture a new product. The application of an FMS is found in the production of small sets of products like those from mass production.
Mentioned Below Are The Various Advantages Of A Flexible Manufacturing System:-
- Many varieties of the same products – A flexible manufacturing system can produce a large variety of the same type (homogeneous) of products.
- Investment is Profitable – The company invests a lot of money in machines. The optimum use of these machines is done by FMS. FMS is a bit costly but it is a profitable investment by the company.
- Limited inventory is needed – In comparison to other production systems, FMS needs limited inventories.
- Flexible system – A flexible manufacturing system is a very flexible system since it can produce a large number of similar products. The quality and design of production can also be changed easily.
- Labor costs are low – Work in the flexible manufacturing system is done by automated machines and robots. Hardly there is any need for manual work or intervention of human beings.
- Speedy production – Very quickly the products can be produced since robots load, unload, and transfer the materials from one machine to another. Thus there is no room for inefficiencies, time waste, and material waste.
- Works with CAD/CAM – FMS enables synergy with these technologies. FMS seamlessly integrates with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in production processes.
As a result of the use of FMS, manufacture costs can be reduced, labor productivity can be increased, machine efficiency can be increased, product quality can be improved, system reliability can be increased, parts inventory can be reduced, lead times can be shortened, and production rates can be increased.
Addressing Market Dynamics with FMS
The demand of customers regarding a specified product is changing very rapidly in the present market scenario and hence a manufacturing unit needs to accommodate these changes as quickly as possible to be able to compete in the market. This induces a conflict for a manufacturing system as the variety is increased the productivity decreases. Hence there is a good combination between variety and productivity in the flexible manufacturing system. The main focus of the system is on flexibility rather than system efficiency.
Meeting the Challenge of New Product Designs
FMS enables manufacturers to respond promptly to the introduction of new product designs without significant investment in new production lines. By reconfiguring existing production lines, companies can accommodate the increased frequency of new product introductions, ensuring competitiveness in the market.
A competitive FMS is expected to be flexible enough to respond to small batches of customer demand and since the construction of any new production line is a large investment the current production line is reconfigured to keep up with the increased frequency of new product design.
Managing Automation in FMS
A flexible manufacturing system is a high level of production automation hence people need to manage the system, load and unload parts, change tools, and maintain and repair the equipment.
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FAQs:
1. How Does A Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) Differ From Traditional Manufacturing Systems?
Traditional manufacturing systems are often rigid and designed for specific production tasks, making them less adaptable to changes in product design or demand. In contrast, FMS is highly flexible, allowing for adjustments in production volume, part specifications, and process order, thereby accommodating dynamic market demands efficiently.
2. Can A Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) Handle Changes In Product Design Efficiently?
Yes, one of the primary advantages of flexible manufacturing system is its ability to adapt to changes in product design seamlessly. The system’s machine flexibility allows for the alteration of the order of operations executed on a part, ensuring that variations in product specifications can be accommodated without major disruptions to the manufacturing process.
3. How Does FMS Contribute To Cost Savings In The Manufacturing Process?
Flexible manufacturing system facilitates cost savings through various means. With the capability to produce a large variety of similar products, it optimizes the use of machines, making the initial investment profitable. Additionally, the low need for manual labor, limited inventory requirements, and speedy production with minimal inefficiencies contribute to overall cost reduction in comparison to traditional manufacturing systems.
Conclusion
A flexible manufacturing system offers numerous advantages in adapting to dynamic market conditions, optimizing production processes, and meeting customer demands efficiently. With its focus on flexibility and integration with advanced technologies, FMS enables manufacturers to stay competitive and achieve operational excellence in today’s ever-evolving industrial landscape.
Register at SolutionBuggy to connect with manufacturing consultants and experts for timely assistance in optimizing your flexible manufacturing system. Whether you need advice on system configuration, maintenance, or enhancing productivity, SolutionBuggy provides access to a network of industry professionals to address your manufacturing challenges effectively.
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