End user project management for Holset FMS

A multi-process £4.5 million flexible manufacturing system to manufacture a variety of sub-assemblies for Holset Engineering has been under development for over two years. The system uses a range of sophisticated machines, seven gantry type robots, an AGV transport system and numerous computer controls. Holset has taken the unique approach of conducting the project management itself, specifying its exact requirements to equipment suppliers. This paper discusses the reasons for end users considering this approach, the disadvantages in not accepting project responsibility, and the lessons learned by the Holset FMS project team from developing a user-oriented system.