What is Flexible Manufacturing 
             System? 
    
    A flexible manufacturing system is a type 
  of industrial process that allows equipment 
  to be used for more than one purpose, 
  though they may be somewhat related. 
          The Concept
      The concept of flexible manufacturing systems 
    evolved during the 1960’s when robots, 
    programmable controllers, and computerized 
    numerical controls brought an environment to 
    the factory floor in the form of numerically-
    controlled and direct-numerically-controlled 
    machines.
        Root Objective
    
  The main goal of a flexible manufacturing 
  system (FMS) is to offer the speed needed 
  to change with market conditions quickly, 
  but not sacrifice any quality. 
           Equipments of FMS
     Equipment that does this most effectively is likely 
       designed for two or more purposes. 
         Primary equipment work centers
          • Universal machining centers
          • Turning centers 
          • Grinding machines
          • Nibbling machines
         Process centers
          • Wash machines
          • Coordinate measuring machines
          • Robotic work stations
          • Manual workstations 
        Benefits of FMS
   The potential benefits from the 
   implementation and utilization of a flexible 
   manufacturing system have been detailed 
   by numerous researchers on the subject.