A comparison between machine flexibility and routing flexibility

In this paper, we evaluate two types of flexibility, machine flexibility an d routing flexibility, in terms of manufacturing performance in various sho p environments. A simulation-based investigation was conducted to analyze t he impact of these types of flexibility on the average flow time of parts u nder various job flow pattern conditions, which characterize the shop natur e from a random job shop to a flow shop, operation time variance, setup tim e, and shop load. The experimental results show how these types of flexibil ity affect the average flow time of parts and which type is superior under what conditions. Management can obtain better insight and guidelines for de termining priorities or the scale, or scope, of various decision items rela ting to design standardization, process and operations improvement, investm ent in new equipment and tools, and the like.