A simulation study of flexible manufacturing systems

This paper presents the results of a simulation study of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). The FMS considered for the present study includes six machining centers capable of performing a variety of tasks, an automated guided vehicle based material handling system and a single input, single output storage-retrieval system connected to the manufacturing system by conveyors. The model for the study accounts for uncertainties such as stochastic part arrival patterns, variable machining times and machine breakdowns. The system considered for the present study manufactures large size parts. Effects of a change in the layout of the manufacturing cell on the system performance have also been investigated. Time spent for parts in the system is considered as one of the main criteria of the system performance.