Competitiveness of manufacturing industry in India: Need for flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract

The ongoing process of globalization has brought about radical changes in industry and business across the globe. Because of global competition, there is ever growing need for higher productivity as well as quality in production. So also, there is a imminent need for improving cost effectiveness in industrial operations to withstand the competitive pressures. So, every business constantly seeks innovative ways of production processes for improving their competitiveness. In this context, this study looks into the need for Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs) in Indian, the effectiveness of FMS in raising the productivity of manufacturing operations, FMS adoption being still in its infancy in India. FMS concept, its suitability, its applications and main trends are discussed. Suitable suggestions for effective FMS implementation in Indian industry are made.