ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a number of issues relating to scheduling in the flexible manufacturing system (FMS) domain. It focuses on the performance parameters that are appropriate for a FMS and FMS technology and the issue of flexibility. The chapter describes both static and dynamic scheduling along with a number of methods for dealing with these scheduling problems. It explores a new approach to these issues called mix oriented manufacturing control. One of the main features of an FMS is its flexibility. This term, however, is frequently used with scarce attention to current research studies, whereas its characteristics and limits should be clearly defined according to the type of FMS being considered. Considering the high level of automation and cost involved in the development of an FMS, all development phases of this technology are important in order to achieve the maximum utilization and benefits related to this type of system.
