ompanies are turning increasingly to FMS, or Flexible C Manufacturing Systems, to improve their performance. They see FMS as a business-driven route to improved profitability through reduced lead-times, rapid response to market conditions, increased flexibility and lower manning. However, since The FMS Report was first written many more firms have begun the exciting task of evaluating, and in some cases, adopting, flexible manufacturing systems to improve their business position and their manufacturing effectiveness. The practical experiences of these firms have not only served to reinforce...