Evaluation of intelligent manufacturing system flexibility

In order to remain competitive in the current economic climate an effective manufacturing strategy is vital for any business. The content elements defining a manufacturing strategy and the performance measures of these elements are clearly identified in the literature. Of these performance measures flexibility is one which is difficult to quantify. This paper therefore proposes a viable tool which can help businesses to identify current levels of flexibility, hence enabling the ability to improve manufacturing flexibility in accordance with strategic objectives. (5 pages)