ABSTRACT
Flexibility in manufacturing is perceived by many companies as important, as it variables them to deal with dynamic markets and changing environments. Implementing flexibility in manufacturing systems has however, proved difficult. This is demonstrated by Jaikumar (1986) who showed the use of high technology hardware, such as FMS’s, has not provided a solution to the flexibility problems of many companies, and Hill and Chambers (1991) who identifed that companies do not evaluate the type of flexibility they need before investing in new manufacturing systems.
