Title: Reconfigurable manufacturing systems: meeting the challenges of a dynamic business paradigm

Authors: Charu Chandra, Janis Grabis

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA. ' Institute of Information Technology, Riga Technical University, Kalku 1, Riga LV-1658, Latvia

Abstract: In this introductory note, we describe the motivation behind this Special Issue of reconfigurable manufacturing systems. We begin by noting the potential opportunities offered by configuration (reconfiguration) of a system in enhancing its functionalities and capabilities. After defining the nature of configuration, we briefly describe reconfigurability in systems and potential tools and techniques utilised for reconfiguration. We close out with a brief review of the papers in this issue and their relevance to the interests of decision-makers.

Keywords: configuration; reconfigurable manufacturing systems; supply chain management; SCM; reconfigurability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2009.023775

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2009 Vol.17 No.1/2, pp.1 - 4

Published online: 11 Mar 2009 *

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