Intelligent planning and dynamic scheduling of flexible manufacturing cells and systems

FMS may be defined as a reprogrammable manufacturing system in its broadest sense, dealing with high level distributed data processing and automated material flow, using highly flexible, computer controlled (and in some cases manually operated) material and information processors within an integrated, multi-layered feedback control architecture. System modelling techniques have evolved because of the need to plan, design, integrate and implement as well as operate increasingly complex and 'intelligent' flexible manufacturing and other types of cells and systems (FMC/FMS). This paper provides an overview of a generic, structured methodology and architecture primarily in order to facilitate the study of existing manufacturing systems (including metal cutting, electronic and electro-mechanical assembly, robotised welding and automobile assembly, etc.) and to aid the design of new flexible manufacturing cells and systems within a CIME (Computer Integrated Manufacturing & Engineering) environment ([1] and [2]).