Manufacturing systems, specifically machining, are typically designed as either dedicated or flexible; representing two very different paradigms. Measures for manufacturing flexibility have been proposed; generally, according to behaviour of system or product mix. Attempts have also been made to relate flexibility to subsequent costs.
In this thesis, System Design is presented as a property of inherent attributes determined at the design stage. This provides the \u27Flexibility Level\u27 and its measurement is based on physical-functional attributes. Hence, System Design is viewed as a continuous quality, which describes both the level of flexibility and/or dedicated nature of a system.
This metric is related to cost in a model which describes system design in its entirety; including manufacturing complexity in relation to cost as a tool to minimize manufacturing costs. Consequently, system behaviour is investigated given alternate manufacturing conditions such as varying product mix and production volume requirements. Industrial examples are used
