Logistic aspects of conventional and flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract

In today's changing world, demand for small-series or customized products due to changing customer purchasing patterns is becoming increasingly important. The production of these products requires high flexibility, efficiency (low cost, short lead times) and high quality. Logistic parameters of a flexible production system: -Short lead times, -Low total cost, -High quality. The traditional mass production systems are usually characterized on the way that they are optimized for larger production runs. Larger production batches can facilitate automation and reduce costs (changeover losses - raw material replacement on a production line, machine setting, quality assurance activities after machine setting, etc.) that occur more frequently at smaller batch sizes. On the other hand, flexible production systems are prepared to produce customer orders and sales quantities with no or low forecasting accuracy, so that we can respond to customer needs in the shortest possible time. System inertia should be minimized. Therefore, it is necessary to create the possibility of quick type changes over with low losses. We need to reduce the through put time of the manufacturing process and the batch size. This article explores aspects of the topics outlined.