Title: The success of FM investments: Case studies from small industrial economies

Authors: Jari Mieskonen

Addresses: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an international case study of the adoption, and reasons for the adoption, of FM systems. The aim of the research was to increase understanding of the cost-benefit structure of FM technology, and the most important driving forces behind the diffusion of computerized production technology in various countries. These efforts were to clarify the real flexibility of integrated machining systems. Production flexibility was considered broadly and defined to sub-flexibilities for a better understanding of the research subject. The problem of getting information of the real production flexibility, and potential flexibility for the future were tackled by direct interviews. The data has been gathered by using questionnaires and personal interviews. Our questionnaire data bank consists of 40 cases from eight countries. The systems have been analysed by roughly 300 features from technical, managerial, financial, operational and organisational points of view. Additionally a large FMS data bank (which consists of app. 800 cases from 28 countries and uses 20 indicators) was used for reference material. Funds provided by the Technology Development Centre of Finland made it possible for me to complete this work.

Keywords: computer-integrated manufacturing; CIM; Finnish national TES programme; flexible manufacturing systems; FMS; technology-economy-society; flexibility; Finland.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1991.025889

International Journal of Technology Management, 1991 Vol.6 No.3/4, pp.277 - 291

Published online: 25 May 2009 *

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