Issues in FMS installation: a field study and analysis

This report is based on plant visits and extensive interviews conducted as part of the authors' field study of five distinct flexible manufacturing system (FMS) installations. The FMS and the settings they are housed in are described. The findings are integrated with the existing published literature on automation in manufacturing. The literature is confirmed in some respects and is augmented in many instances. A critical analysis of these installations is presented, indicating the problems associated with them and identifying probable causes. Based on their visits and the analysis, the authors developed an implementation plan for proactive management of automation project. It is hoped that it will help to avoid the pitfalls identified and to regain and retain competitive advantage. >