A Heuristic Approach to FMS Process Planning

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is an integrated system of numerically-controlled machine tools and an automated material handling system under the supervision and control of an on-line host computer (Draper, 1984). An FMS can simultaneously process a number of different part-types of medium batch sizes in a random manner. FMS is fast becoming an appropriate production method for mid-volume batch manufacturing. This is due to the fact that FMS has dual advantages over conventional production methods, especially the job shop production system. The advantages are, namely, higher production efficiency and greater flexibility with regard to part-type variety and production.