Performance and Evaluation of FMS

The procedures used for the evaluation of system reliability and performance in the study of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are examined. Details of a set of operational data obtained from tests of systems performance, for a wide range of components and machine utilisations, are provided. The results show that simulation has a major role to play in developing operating procedures for FMS, providing the controller with the results of previous investigations and alternative launch strategies for entry of components into the FMS, depending on the criteria selected for the performance of the system.