Flexibility is seen as a desirable attribute of a manufacturing system. Virtually every
manufacturing organisation wants it, but find it difficult to define, predict or measure.
Most researchers look inwards to try to obtain measures. This research defines a
framework that provides a structured methodology for developing flexibility
requirements. The framework ensures that the flexibility requirements are derived from
manufacturing objectives that relate to business strategy. This way flexibility becomes
an issue that is driven by the business needs and not just by the advances in technology.
Through the framework all the important factors of the business as a whole are
considered in the design of the manufacturing system. The research examines the
tactical level of decision making in detail. A simulation model was developed to predict
the performance of a manufacturing system faced with various types of flexibility
requirements. The model was used to convert potential flexibility to demonstrated
flexibility, thereby predicting the manner in which the manufacturing system might
perform. The results from the model showed the performance of the whole system and
these were related to the contribution that flexibility makes to the overall
manufacturing objectives. However, it was also observed that different types of models
may be required depending on the nature of the decisions. Through the development of
the mechanism for evaluating flexibility requirements, it was observed that much time
was invested in the definition of flexibility requirements and how these contributed to
the manufacturing strategy. This shows that much time needs to be spent on the
definition of flexibility requirements before evaluation can take place
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