Changeable and Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems [Paperback]

Changeable and Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems discusses key strategies for success in the changing manufacturing environment. Changes can often be anticipated but some go beyond the design range, requiring innovative change enablers and adaptation mechanisms. The book presents the new concept of Changeability as an umbrella framework that encompasses paradigms such as agility, adaptability, flexibility and reconfigurability. It provides the definitions and classification of key terms in this new field, and emphasizes the required physical/hard and logical/soft change enablers. The book presents cutting edge technologies and the latest research, as well as future directions to help manufacturers stay competitive. It contains original contributions and results from senior international experts, together with industrial applications. The book serves as a comprehensive reference for professional engineers, managers, and academics in manufacturing, industrial and mechanical engineering.

Change, in products and systems, has become a constant in manufacturing. Changeable and Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems discusses many key strategies for success in this environment. Changes can most often be anticipated but some go beyond the design range. This requires providing innovative change enablers and adaptation mechanisms.

Changeable and Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems presents the new concept of Changeability as an umbrella framework that encompasses many paradigms such as agility, adaptability, flexibility and reconfigurability. The book provides the definitions and classification of key terms in this new field, and emphasizes the required physical/hard and logical/soft change enablers.

Over 22 chapters, the book presents cutting edge technologies, the latest thinking and research results, as well as future directionslÈ