Flexible Manufacturing Systems Eliminate the Need for Work Orders

The concept of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) attempts to convert job shop flow into process flow. Methods of operation under the FMS concept must also change from job shop type to process flow type. This presentation is based on the idea that internal work orders are not required in an FMS environment. Past need for work orders is explored along with methods for operating a factory of the future without work orders. Previous need to record setup and labor cycle costs becomes unnecessary. Alternative methods of acquiring required cost information is presented.