Research Reports from the Department of Operations
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
1-15-1987
Abstract
The Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) has the merits of both job shop production and mass production -- flexibility at low variable production cost. However, FMSs' are very expensive to install and are very complex to operate. This thesis creatively bridged three decision tools (simulation, layout planning, and a queueing network model) for FKS capacity planning, layout design, and shop floor control. The research developed an interactive, user-friendly decision support software called FMSDS to assist decision makers in FMS design, planning, and operation. The cornerstones of FMSDS consist of three major decision tools: a queueing-network model, a simulation package, and layout heuristics. The queueing-network model (FMS-Q) developed is an extension of two existing models for FMS. The simulation software developed combines many features of various simulation software, including animations. The layout heuristics developed is a generalization of CRAFT.
Keywords
Operations research, Flexible manufacturing systems, Production planning--Data processing, Manufacturing processes--Automation, Queuing theory, Computer simulation, Decision support systems, Plant layout, Industrial engineering
Publication Title
Dissertation/Technical Memorandums from the Department of Operations, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University
Issue
Technical memorandum no. 611 ; Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Rights
This work is in the public domain and may be freely downloaded for personal or academic use
Recommended Citation
Wu, Chin-Yun A., "A C-Based Interactive FMS Decision Support Software for Capacity Planning, Layout Design, and Shop Floor Control" (1987). Research Reports from the Department of Operations. 68.
https://commons.case.edu/wsom-ops-reports/68