We performed a two-year case study on the ramp-up of a large flexible
assembly system in a Midwestern automotive components plant. The new s
ystem was designed to be a creative replication of technology already
in operation in the technology supplier's firm and was purchased under
a broad corporate alliance agreement as well as a detailed adoption c
ontract. Although the project met its installation schedule, productio
n targets, and direct labor cost savings objectives, the installation
of this innovative, partially-tended assembly system raised several is
sues and questions regarding the optimal part mix schedule, quality st
andards, and maintenance schedules. We hypothesize that a curvilinear
relationship exists between supplier-user satisfaction and flexibility
outcomes. Moderate levels of satisfaction appear to maximize the rati
o of part families per hour change-over capability of a new flexible s
ystem.