Strategic aspects of flexible production technologies: theory and evidence

In this paper we examine the innovative manufacturing technologies known as “Flexible Manufacturing Systems” (FMS). We begin with a description of these systems and the industries in which they are used. We then review several theoretical models which analyze the decision process to invest in FMS. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of production economics 1991-10, Vol.23 (1), p.197-204
Main Authors: Röller, Lars-Hendrik, Tombak, Mihkel M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Comparative studies
Effects
Flexible manufacturing systems
Investment
Manycountries
Product differentiation
Production planning
Statistical analysis
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Summary:In this paper we examine the innovative manufacturing technologies known as “Flexible Manufacturing Systems” (FMS). We begin with a description of these systems and the industries in which they are used. We then review several theoretical models which analyze the decision process to invest in FMS. These models illustrate the importance of such market factors as product differentiation, differences in cost and market size, degree of competition, and market dynamics. In the second part of the paper we present some new empirical evidence using a database of almost 3,000 business units. This empirical evidence is shown to be consistent with the theory.
ISSN:0925-5273
1873-7579
DOI:10.1016/0925-5273(91)90062-X