Design of an FMS decision support system

Flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is an integrated system consisting of computer numerical control machine tools and automated material handling system controlled by an overall control computer system. The FMS design is broken down into strategic, tactical and operational level designs. This research is concerned with the development of a decision support system for the design of FMS (FMSDDS). Simulation is used as a primary analysis tool, making the DSS capable of solving problems at all three levels. The decision making ability is provided by a multi-attribute utility model which accounts for both quantitative and qualitative factors that affect a decision. The FMSDSS is implemented using three routines: input, analysis, and output. The input routine helps the user to select feasible FMS configurations interactively. The analysis routine consists of a generalized FMS simulation model. This routine analyses the FMS alternatives selected and provides the information required for the output analysis. The qualitative and quantitative measures of performance that have to be considered for decision making are handled by the output routine. It also combines performance measures of different units such as time and costs. The DSS is modular and hence future enhancements can be readily added.