Models for the evaluation of routing and machine flexibility

The authors present models by which flexibility for a manufacturing system can be assessed. Two of the most fundamental types of flexibility, routing and machine flexibility, are examined. These models enable a manager to compare different system designs. Furthermore, the present measures provide a manager with a tool to evaluate the ongoing operations of a system over time and over different conditions. These models reflect the view that the flexibility of a system is a function of the technology as well as of how well the system is managed. The efficacy of the present methods is demonstrated through numerical examples.