The impact of using flexible manufacturing Systems on quality management practices

摘要

A brief history behind the use of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) is presented. From the literature review on the use of FMS and quality aspects, their definitions from various perspectives are discussed. As this reveals possible influence of FMS on quality, it is attempted to study the differences in quality management practices (QMP) among the users and nonusers of FMS. In this regard, a survey is conducted among the companies in five different industrial sectors in the United States. The survey results are used to test various hypotheses made with respect to five constructs on QMP and FMS. (36 refs.)