This paper presents a review of design methodologies for manufacturing systems, with
focus on Product Oriented Manufacturing Systems (POMS). POMS organization is discussed
and compared against function oriented manufacturing. The methodologies for
manufacturing systems design are described and grouped in three classes: generic, specific
and product oriented focused. Several methodologies in the first class are referred. They
tend to be suitable for whatever kind of product that is necessary to develop or design,
including manufacturing systems. Usually, they arrive to a general, conceptual first
approximation manufacturing system solution, which need refinement. Manufacturing
systems specific methodologies are more objective being able to offer a clearer picture of the
manufacturing system ultimate solution. A number of them are reviewed. The product
focused class of the manufacturing systems design methodologies is divided in two groups:
methodologies for designing new manufacturing systems, referred as construction
methodologies, and methodologies for reengineering or reconfiguring existing ones. A few
methodologies are referred and a methodology referred as the GCD methodology is
explained in more detail due to its particular focus on POMS design. Through it a better
understanding is given of the POMS design needs. The GCD methodology is also put in
perspective in relation to other reviewed methodologies
