Implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies: Swedish FMS experiences

Sweden has a relatively advanced manufacturing base. The density of advanced manufacturing technologies is among the highest in the world. The labor force is relatively well educated, but the labor supply is a problem, partly due to the perceived low status of industrial work. This calls for extraordinary efforts in the design of manufacturing systems and work organizations. This article reports results from 27 flexible manufacturing system installations in Sweden. The technical and organizational features and system performances are described, and the implementation of the systems is given special attention. The systems are generally characterized by ordinary technology configurations, but by a relatively low degree of division of labor and a high degree of decentralization.