A system where a central computer provides instructions to workstations, robots, ASRSs, and AGVs is known as what?
Explanation
A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) represents a high degree of automation and integration, where a central computer coordinates multiple workstations and automated material handling equipment. This allows the system to produce a variety of parts with minimal human intervention.
Other questions
What is the primary objective of an organization's process strategy?
Which process strategy is characterized by facilities organized around specific activities like welding or painting, designed for low-volume, high-variety production?
Which process strategy is exemplified by the classic assembly line, using modules to create products like automobiles and household appliances?
What are the typical characteristics of a product-focused facility, such as one producing glass or paper?
What is the primary goal of mass customization?
What is a crossover chart used for in process analysis?
A company is comparing two software processes. Software A has a total fixed cost of 200,000 dollars and a variable cost of 60 dollars per report. Software B has a total fixed cost of 300,000 dollars and a variable cost of 25 dollars per report. At what volume of reports do the two processes have equal cost?
A firm is evaluating three processes. Process A is most economical for volumes below 2,857 units. Process B is most economical for volumes between 2,857 and 6,666 units. Process C is most economical for volumes above 6,666 units. If the firm anticipates producing 5,000 units, which process should it choose?
In the context of process strategy, what does 'flexibility' refer to?
Which process analysis tool is a schematic or drawing of the movement of material, product, or people?
What is the primary difference between a standard flowchart and a time-function map?
What is the main purpose of a process chart?
How does value-stream mapping (VSM) differ from time-function mapping?
In the Motorola value-stream map example, what is the total calculated value-added time for producing a cell phone?
What is the primary focus of the service blueprinting technique?
In the service process matrix, what are the two dimensions that define the four quadrants?
According to the service process matrix, a traditional law firm would be classified under which quadrant?
Which of the following is NOT a technique listed for improving service productivity?
What does the term 'computer numerical controls' (CNC) refer to in machine technology?
What is the key feature of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing?
What is the purpose of automatic identification systems (AIS)?
Which technology uses integrated circuitry with tiny antennas to send signals via radio waves for tracking and monitoring parts, pallets, and people?
Vision systems are a production technology primarily used for which operational task?
What is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)?
What does the concept of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) entail?
What is process redesign?
A key challenge of build-to-order (BTO) mass customization, such as that used by Dell, is the need for:
The delay of any modifications or customization to a product as long as possible in the production process is known as what strategy?
In the Harley-Davidson production process, what is the term for the system where materials go to the assembly line on a just-in-time basis?
What type of process analysis tool has different levels to distinguish between activities under the customer's control, activities involving provider interaction, and activities performed away from the customer?
A firm wants to compare two processes. Process 1 has a fixed cost of 1,000,000 dollars and variable costs of 24 dollars for labor, 26 dollars for material, and 20 dollars for energy per unit. Process 2 has a fixed cost of 1,625,000 dollars and variable costs of 28 dollars for labor, 15 dollars for material, and 12 dollars for energy per unit. What is the crossover point in units?
In the context of production technology, what are vision systems, robots, ASRSs, and AGVs examples of?
A manager is designing a process for a product with high volume and low variety, like commercial beer. Which process strategy should be selected?
What is a key reason that process-focused facilities, or job shops, have high variable costs?
Which of the nine production technologies is described as electronically guided and controlled carts used to move parts and equipment in manufacturing and warehousing?
According to the case study on Harley-Davidson, what technology does the company use to verify the bin from which an operator is taking parts as a double check on quality?
Why is it often difficult to achieve high-volume build-to-order (BTO) production?
A service such as a fast-food restaurant is classified in the Service Process Matrix as having:
Which of the following would be an example of the 'Separation' strategy for improving service productivity?
In the context of the four process strategies, which one typically has the highest inventory levels relative to the other strategies?
A firm wants to choose between two processes. Process A has a fixed cost of 75,000 dollars and a variable cost of 16 dollars per unit. Process B has a fixed cost of 60,000 dollars and a variable cost of 20 dollars per unit. What is the crossover point in units?
The use of information technology to monitor and control a physical process, such as measuring moisture content in paper production, is known as:
What is the key advantage of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS)?
According to the chapter, operations managers modify service processes to find the best level of specialization and focus while maintaining necessary:
Which of the four process strategies would be most appropriate for producing custom-made furniture?
In the comparison of process characteristics, which strategy involves finished goods that are built-to-order (BTO)?
What is the primary drawback of a process-focused strategy?
An analysis of American National Can Company's process using time-function mapping revealed significant savings could be achieved by reducing what?
Which of the following process strategies is Dell Computer's approach of building custom PCs an example of?