Manufacturing Systems

During the past 20 years, developments in the manufacturing world have revolutionized many aspects of the production process. The introduction of computer technology and automation have had a particularly great impact on manufacturing with a variety of consequences. One consequence is that manufacturing issues cannot be addressed as isolated problems: they require "systems thinking". Study and understanding of the behaviour of manufacturing systems is an emerging field with a strong interdisciplinary character and increasing importance from an academic and industrial point of view. The purpose of this book is to provide some fundamental methods and tools which are useful in addressing design and operational issues in manufacturing systems. It is intended as an advanced undergraduate/graduate text for students taking courses in manufacturing and manufacturing systems. Additionally, it can be used by practising manufacturing engineers to gain insight, techniques and methods related to practical issues of manufacturing systems.