Implementation of a Flexible Manufacturing System in a production cell of the automotive industry: decision and choice

• Main Authors: Miguel Afonso Sellitto, Vagner Gerhardt Mancio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação Brasileira de Engenharia de Produção (ABEPRO)
• Series: Production
• Subjects: Flexible Manufacturing System; Automation; Manufacturing strategy; Industrial robots; Analytical hierarchy process
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-65132019000100208&lng=en&tlng=en

Abstract Paper aims The purpose is to decide on the technology for the implementation of an FMS in a manufacturing cell that produces the coil for starting engines in a company of the Brazilian automotive industry. Originality The mixed use of structured methods to support a semi-structured decision-making problem. Research method The qualitative-quantitative modeling, relying on four competitive priorities of the manufacturing, cost, quality, flexibility, and delivery. The method considered three technological alternatives A1, a ladder-type layout, conveyor and pneumatic devices, A2, an open field layout and automatic guided vehicles, and A3, a robot-centered layout and robotic arms. Main findings Two different methods arrived at the same conclusion. The best alternative is A3, which is also better than doing nothing. Implications for theory and practice The complete description of a real-world case, embracing the decision-making process and the final choice and the difficulties faced by a decision analyst in supporting practitioners in solving a complex problem.