Development and use of System Dynamics Models as Tools for Strategic Planning of Flexible Assembly Systems

In recent years the way in which problems are approached in the assembly area within the manufacturing firm has gained increasing importance for economic planning. In connection with this, the demand for a long term economic flexibility of assembly systems comes to the forefront. A firm should not limit itself purely to investment decisions in the planning of assembly systems, if it is to successfully meet growing demand (on both the market and technology fronts). However, it has become essential even in this field that strategic thinking and planning are considered more important than they have been in the past.