Definition and How It Works
By
Adam Hayes
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Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master’s in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
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Updated August 30, 2022
What Is a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)?
A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a production method that is designed to easily adapt to changes in the type and quantity of the product being manufactured. Machines and computerized systems can be configured to manufacture a variety of parts and handle changing levels of production.
Key Takeaways
- A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is designed up front to be readily adapted to changes in the type and quantity of goods being produced.
- Production in an FMS is largely automated, reducing overall labor costs.
- An FMS system is, however, more expensive to design and put in place than a fixed system, and it requires skilled technicians.
Understanding a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)
A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) can improve efficiency and reduce production costs, which are crucial concerns in the process of business development. Flexible manufacturing also can be a key component of a make-to-order strategy that allows customized products and keeps inventories low. Such flexibility can come with higher up-front costs. Purchasing and installing the specialized equipment that allows for such customization may be costly compared with more traditional systems.
The concept of flexible manufacturing was developed by Jerome H. Lemelson (1923–1997), an American industrial engineer and inventor who filed a number of related patents in the early 1950s. His original design was a robot-based system that could weld, rivet, convey, and inspect manufactured goods.
Lemelson did not build his system; indeed, when he posited it, the ability to build it was still out of reach. Eventually, however, it became possible to build one, and the FMS debuted on factory floors in the United States and Europe in the late 1960s and started to proliferate in the 1970s.
An FMS may include a configuration of interconnected workstations with computer terminals that process the end-to-end creation of a product. Functions may include loading and unloading, machining and assembly, storing, quality testing, and data processing. The system can be programmed to run a batch of one set of products in a particular quantity and then automatically switch over to another set of products in another quantity.
Flexible manufacturing can be a key component of a make-to-order strategy that allows buyers to order customized products.
Pros and Cons of an FMS
The main benefit is the enhancement of production efficiency. Downtime is reduced because the production line does not have to be shut down to set up for a different product.
The disadvantages of an FMS include its higher up-front costs and the greater time required to design the system specifications for a variety of future needs. Specialized technicians needed to run, monitor, and maintain the FMS also add expense. However, advocates of FMS maintain that the increase in automation typically results in a net reduction in labor costs.
How is a flexible management system (FMS) set up?
An FMS may be set up in a number of ways. After all, its main lure is its adaptability. One configuration might involve interconnected computer workstations that process the end-to-end creation of a product. This starts with loading/unloading functions and proceeds to machining and assembly, storing, quality testing, and data processing. The FMS programming can automatically switch from one set of products in a certain amount to another set in a different amount.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of an FMS?
The main benefit of an FMS is that it makes production more efficient. Delays are reduced, as production doesn’t have to be shut down to set up for a different product.
Drawbacks include higher up-front costs and the greater time required to design the system specifications for a variety of future needs. There is also an additional cost for the specialized technicians who work the FMS.
Nevertheless, the system’s automation generally leads to an overall reduction in labor costs.
Who invented the FMS?
Jerome H. Lemelson (1923–1997), an American industrial engineer and inventor, is credited with developing the concept of flexible manufacturing. His initial design featured a robot-based system that could weld, rivet, convey, and inspect manufactured goods. Systems based on his design began showing up on factory floors in the United States and Europe in the late 1960s, becoming even more popular in the 1970s.
Article Sources
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Software Connect. “What Are Flexible Manufacturing Systems and How Can You Use It?”
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University of Kentucky. “Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS).”
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NNDB. “Jerome H. Lemelson.”
FMS Products – Atlanta Barber and Beauty Supply
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Clipper/Trimmer Case by FMS
The Clipper/Trimmer & accessories carry case is here from FMS.
This is terrific small case for carrying your tools anywhere. Measures 10″x7″x2″. Will hold full sized motor…
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FMS Flattop Wax
FMS Flattop Wax: For spiked, crew flat top or brush style Intense hold styling prep Provides long lasting conrol for spiked, crew, flat top and brush styles The conditioning formula helps revitalize…
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FMS Pocket Hair Brush – Carton Assorted Colors
The classic FMS pocket brush comes 24 brushes in a small carton for easy retail display. Oval shaped with finger loop for easy of use. Brush teeth stimulate scalp without pain or irritation – they…
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FMS Pocket Hair Brush – Carton Black
The classic FMS pocket brush comes 24 brushes in a small carton for easy retail display.
Oval shaped with finger loop for easy of use. Brush teeth stimulate scalp without pain or irritation – they…
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FMS Razor
A sturdy red handled razor that holds Personna Mini Injector Blades. Lightweight, tough and balanced this razor is a nice replacement for the Mr. C razor that is no longer available. …
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FMS Wax – Stick
The same wax as the FMS Wax you love but in a new stick form. This push-up container hold 2.7oz of wax. For spiked, crew flat top or brush style Intense hold styling prep Provides long lasting…
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Pocket Brushes by FMS Black
The classic FMS pocket brush comes 12 brushes mounted to a card for easy retail display.
Oval shaped with finger loop for easy of use. Brush teeth stimulate scalp without pain or irritation – they…
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Pocket Brushes By FMS Multi-Colored
The classic FMS pocket brush comes 12 brushes mounted to a card for easy retail display. Oval shaped with finger loop for easy of use. Brush teeth stimulate scalp without pain or irritation – they…
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FMS – Satellite monitoring of transport review, comparison, best products, implementations, suppliers.
Portal for buyers, suppliers and manufacturers of IT Categories Software Application software SCM – supply chain management Logistics FMS – Satellite monitoring of vehicles
Satellite monitoring of vehicles – a monitoring system for moving objects built on the basis of satellite navigation systems , equipment and technologies for cellular and/or radio communications, computer technology and digital cards. Satellite monitoring of transport is used to solve transport logistics problems in transportation management systems and automated fleet management systems.
The principle of operation is to track and analyze the spatial and temporal coordinates of the vehicle. There are two monitoring options: online – with remote transmission of coordinate information and offline – information is read upon arrival at the control room.
A mobile module is installed on the vehicle, consisting of the following parts: satellite signal receiver, coordinate data storage and transmission modules. The mobile module software receives coordinate data from the signal receiver, writes it to the storage module and, if possible, transmits it through the transmission module.
The transmission module allows you to transfer data using the wireless networks of mobile operators. The received data is analyzed and issued to the dispatcher in text form or using cartographic information.
In the offline version, there is no need for remote data transmission. This allows you to use cheaper mobile modules and refuse the services of mobile operators.
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FMS – Satellite monitoring of transport
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FMS – Satellite monitoring of transport
What is GLONASS and GPS based vehicle monitoring?
GPS/GLONASS vehicle monitoring allows you to significantly reduce the operating costs of the car park, protect cars from theft and robbery. Practice shows that GPS/GLONASS monitoring pays off in less than half a year in most companies, while vehicle monitoring significantly increases the discipline of drivers, allows you to identify effective employees and employees with lower labor productivity.
The satellite tracking and monitoring system is a compact device equipped with GLONASS/GPS and GSM antennas, as well as special sensors for monitoring various vehicle parameters.
Who is the vehicle monitoring system intended for?
Vehicle monitoring system is designed for companies and organizations interested in remote control of their own or corporate vehicles. The system is used with great success both by individuals to control and protect a personal car, and by the largest transport companies with many representative offices in different regions with a single center for collecting information.
What is GLONASS?
GLOBAL NAVIGATION Sputnik System (GLONASS) is a Russian satellite navigation system. One of two systems of global satellite navigation functioning today. The basis of the system should be 24 satellites moving above the Earth’s surface.
What is GPS?
The GPS satellite navigation system was originally developed by the US for military use. Another well-known name for the system is “NAVSTAR”. The already household name “GPS” is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System, which translates as Global Navigation System. This name fully characterizes the purpose of the system – providing navigation throughout the globe.
NAVSTAR GPS (Global Positioning System, global positioning system) is a satellite navigation system that allows you to determine the location of an object anywhere in the world. The main principle used is to determine the location of an object by calculating the distance to points with known coordinates (satellites).
Using GPS navigation signals, any user can determine the current location of an object with high accuracy. According to the results of many studies, the use of GPS navigation systems has a great economic effect on the global economy and the environment – traffic safety is increased, traffic conditions are improved, fuel consumption is reduced, and the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere is reduced.
How does satellite monitoring of vehicles work?
Through the GLONASS/GPS antenna, the satellite tracking and monitoring system receives information about the position of the car, which it transmits through the GSM antenna to the dispatcher’s console. Together with the coordinates of the car, satellite monitoring of vehicles allows you to transmit data on the amount of fuel in the gas tank, the mode of operation of special equipment and other information.
Based on the received data, the satellite vehicle monitoring system generates reports on the route of traffic, time and place of parking, the amount of fuel used, operating modes of special equipment, and vehicle idle time. The user can set up his own reports that he needs to work.
In addition to providing useful information, GPS/GSM/GLONASS vehicle tracking allows you to effectively detect the facts of fuel draining, performing “illegal” flights and other illegal actions of personnel in relation to the owner of the vehicle, as well as to control vehicles from a distance.
Does the GLONASS/GPS monitoring system have hacking protection?
A modern satellite tracking and monitoring system hardly betrays its presence. At the request of the customer, hidden installation of GLONASS/GPS monitoring on the company’s vehicles is possible. In this case, a small device is mounted in the most unexpected places, making it extremely difficult to find.
To effectively combat car theft, you can install GLONASS/GPS bookmarks that transmit a signal at certain intervals for several seconds. This mode of operation does not allow intruders to detect the GLONASS/GPS monitoring system by scanning different frequencies. In full confidence, they turn off the jamming systems, after which the GOLNASS / GPS tab transmits the coordinates of the transport to the security console.
Standard satellite tracking and monitoring systems can also transmit information at regular intervals or continuously in real time.
Loctite Frekote FMS (1L) – mold primer
Loctite Frekote FMS (Frikote FMS) Henkel – mold primer, used to repair mold defects in polyester synthetic resins before applying a release agent (1 l).
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SKU: Fr-FMS Categories: Loctite Henkel, Brands, Mold Lubricants, Lubricants
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Description
Loctite Frekote FMS – high quality lithium press primer – forms from composite materials. The product reliably seals mold surfaces, eliminating microcracks and small shape defects. The material is an excellent base to improve the performance of Loctite Frekote products. Ease of application and its fast polymerization allows the primer to be applied both on new molds and on old, repaired molds with equal efficiency.
Specifications:
Technology : Mold Seal Primer
Chemical Grade: Solvent Based Polymer
Appearance: Clear, colorless
Odour: hydrocarbon
heat resistance: ≤ +400°C
application temperature: 13-35°C
application: mold sealing
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Application
Loctite Frekote FMS – universal mold primer. Suitable for sealing all forms of glass fiber reinforced polyester, epoxy and other composite forms. The material reliably eliminates various shape defects and microporosity. Loctite Frekote FMS provides an excellent base for any lubricant in the Loctite Frekote family when applied to a machined surface, improving their performance while ensuring their adhesion to the mold surface.
Instructions for use
Full cure of fresh/new molds is recommended for optimal soil performance.
Surface preparation: mold surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. All residues of previous lubricants and contamination must be cleaned.
Cleaning is best done with Loctite Frekote 915 WB or Loctite Frekote PMC , if heavily soiled, a light abrasion may be used and then cleaned with cleaner.
Loctite Frekote FMS is applied to the mold surface with a lint-free cotton cloth. Moisten the fabric with the composition, while avoiding excessive moisture.
Apply the compound with a damp film to the mold surface.