Before using an industrial flexible manufacturing system, you must have adequate information about its components, advantages and limitations. Selection of a flexible manufacturing assembly system depends on various parameters such as volume of production, product mix and availability of process data.

The key to becoming a good flexible manufacturer or expert is to be aware of updates in flexible manufacturing technology.

Take advantage of flexible manufacturing systems education and training by:

1. Finding training programs on flexible manufacturing systems
2. Joining associations that provide information on the field of industrial engineering
3. Reading magazines that provide up-to-date knowledge on flexible manufacturing system components

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find basic and advanced training programs for flexible manufacturing system manufacturers

Some institutions and associations offer courses on manufacturing systems and design, which contain information on the flexible manufacturing system as a part of the syllabi. You can also learn about flexible manufacturing systems in various industrial engineering courses.

I recommend: The Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department at Wayne State University offers bachelor and master’s level courses in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering with FMS (flexible manufacturing system) modules. You can also opt for the ‘Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering’ program at University of Windsor. Another good institution where you can enroll for an industrial engineering course is the University of Texas at Austin.

Join associations to update your knowledge about flexible manufacturing systems

Updating your knowledge about flexible manufacturing techniques is very important for staying ahead in the industry. You can join various associations that provide current information about trends and updates on flexible manufacturing systems.

I recommend: For networking with flexible manufacturing system suppliers and manufacturers across the globe, joining MESA International (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association) is a good option to gain information about global trends in the field of engineering. You can also join the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, a professional society that provides updates in manufacturing technologies.

Subscribe to magazines and journals that provide updates on flexible manufacturing systems

It is necessary for flexible manufacturing system companies and suppliers to be aware of the latest technologies and developments. You can subscribe to magazines that give you up-to-date information on developments in the industry.

I recommend: International Journal of Flexible Manufacturing Systems is a quarterly journal that publishes articles about flexible manufacturing systems and provides insights by experts about different manufacturing systems. You can subscribe to Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, published by Emerald Group Publishing, one of the leading publishers of management research magazines and journals. You can also search for articles and journals at JSTOR, a collection of archives of leading academic journals from various subjects including industrial engineering.

Flexible manufacturing systems consist of programmable machines and devices that work together within an entire factory or in certain areas of it. These flexible manufacturing system components consist of robots, measuring and materials-handling equipment and machine tools that operate automatically under the control of computers. Flexible manufacturing system companies rely on computer-automated systems, sometimes referred to as a local area network, to transport parts, tools or other products from point A to point B on an assembly line. To operate flexible manufacturing technology, computer programming language must be inputted to allow the machines and devices to communicate when and where to transfer different materials, as well as the starting and stopping schedules of flexible manufacturing programs. Flexible manufacturing systems are also helpful for making new parts and producing multiple parts simultaneously.

Flexible manufacturing systems are solutions to increasing product flexibility and productivity. To install flexible manufacturing system components for your factory, you should consider these steps:

1. Research the latest solutions in flexible manufacturing technology and find companies that offer such automation processes.

2. Vary your line of flexible manufacturing systems and equipment to increase productivity and reduce costs.

3. Find research and development support to assist in implementing flexible manufacturing systems.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find companies that offer the latest in flexible manufacturing technology

Flexible manufacturing system companies produce design and build the latest machinery to produce high-quality products and equipment.

I recommend: Moore Tool features a series of ultra-precision and high-speed flexible manufacturing systems. Stratasys offers industrial automation flexible manufacturing systems for thermoplastics in the biomedical, aerospace and chemical industry as well as for marine-related applications.

Maintain a product line of flexible manufacturing system components

Components, a flexible manufacturing system of electronics and a flexible manufacturing assembly system are all ideal to produce high-quality precision machinery.

I recommend: ATS Automation Tooling Systems builds multiple flexible manufacturing systems to handle tools and other machine technology. Unidex provides ergonomic industrial automation flexible manufacturing systems.

Test your flexible manufacturing systems with the help of research and development

Research and development and in-house services ensures a suitable flexible manufacturing assembly system.

I recommend: American Flexible Products offers design assistance services in addition to cutting, coating and laminating capabilities. Flexible manufacturer Ingersoll Production Systems offers engineering support as well as flexible manufacturing technology.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Computer software should also accompany an industrial flexible manufacturing system. Such computer programs help track manufacturing data such as product inventory and customer orders. This flexible manufacturing technology is available online from companies that specialize in manufacturing software.
• •  It's also important to analyze the need for flexible manufacturing systems and how they will affect your bottom line, especially with ever-changing technology. Financial health, budgeting and tax laws are factors to examine.