Flexibility and productivity in complex production processes

Drastic changes in market demands and rapid technological development have created a need for more flexible production systems and more complex products with a larger degree of variation. There is strong pressure towards the use of more and more mechanized and automated equipment, from single NC-machines to complete manufacturing systems. At the same time, there is a need for flexibility towards changes in the products. These changes have to be made in a limited time, and without the need for large reinvestments in the production system. This means that more often there must be discussion regarding flexibility versus productivity before the production system is designed. T will discuss methods for calculation of different flexibility levels, strategies for a more flexible view upon products and processes, and examples and results from different areas within the Swedish industry.