Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) Applications

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What is a crucial step that must be taken before making a final decision on implementing a Flexible Manufacturing System?

Conducting a market survey

Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis (correct)

Analyzing the competition

Hiring a consultant to review the system

In what type of production is a Flexible Manufacturing System most effective?

High-volume, low-variety parts production

Mass production

Medium-quantity batch production (correct)

Low-volume, high-variety parts production

What is an important consideration when installing a Flexible Manufacturing System?

Only the cost of labor

The cost of capital only

The cost of materials only

The time and effort required for installing and debugging the system (correct)

What is the typical production quantity for a variety of parts using a Flexible Manufacturing System?

15,000 to 35,000 aggregate parts per year Signup and view all the answers

What type of production is best suited for transfer machines?

High-volume, low-variety parts production Signup and view all the answers

Why do many manufacturers opt for smaller, simpler, and less expensive Flexible Manufacturing Systems?

Because they are more cost-effective Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for proper scheduling and process planning in FMS?

To ensure minimal idle time for machines Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between scheduling in FMS and job shops?

FMS has a dynamic schedule while job shops have a fixed schedule Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of FMS in terms of production?

No setup time is wasted in switching between manufacturing operations Signup and view all the answers

What is a major limitation of FMS installations?

High capital expenditures Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of medium-batch production in FMS?

Lot size is typically 1-50 Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect of ensuring quality in FMS?

Monitoring performance and reliability of each unit Signup and view all the answers

What is a major attribute of FMS that allows it to respond quickly to product and market-demand variations?

Quick response to product and market-demand variations Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of FMS compared to conventional manufacturing systems?

Reduced direct labor and inventories Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of production in an FMS?

Parts can be produced in any order, in batch sizes as small as one Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the elements of a flexible manufacturing system?

Automated handling and transport of materials and parts Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of FMS in terms of production lead times?

Shorter lead times for product changes Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of workstations in an FMS?

Arranged to yield the greatest efficiency in production Signup and view all the answers