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A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a manufacturing system in which there is some amount of flexibility that allows the system to react in the case of changes, whether predicted or unpredicted. This flexibility is generally considered to fall into two categories, which both contain numerous subcategories.

The first category, machine flexibility, covers the system's ability to be changed to produce new product types, and ability to change the order of operations executed on a part. The second category is called routing flexibility, which consists of the ability to use multiple machines to perform the same operation on a part, as well as the system's ability to absorb large-scale changes, such as in volume, capacity, or capability.

Most FMS systems comprise of three main systems. The work machines which are often automated CNC machines are connected by a material handling system to optimize parts flow and the central control computer which controls material movements and machine flow.

The main advantages of a FMS is its high flexibility in managing manufacturing resources like time and effort in order to manufacture a new product. The best application of a FMS is found in the production of small sets of products like those from a mass production.

• Productivity increment due to automation
• Preparation time for new products is shorter due to flexibility
• Saved labor cost, due to automation
• Improved production quality, due to automation
  • However, it is not always necessary that on increasing flexibility productivity also increases.

• Manufacturing Flexibility: a literature review by A. de Toni and S. Tonchia. International Journal of Production Research, 1998, vol. 36, no. 6, 1587-617.
• Computer Control of Manufacturing Systems by Yoram Korem. McGraw Hill, Inc. 1983, 287 pp, ISBN 0-07-035341-7

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