The correct answer is: D. All of the above.
A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a manufacturing system that can be easily changed to produce different products. FMSs are typically automated, and they use computer-controlled machines to perform the manufacturing tasks.
FMSs are expensive to build and maintain, but they can save money in the long run by reducing the cost of production. FMSs are also very versatile, and they can be used to produce a wide variety of products.
However, FMSs can be difficult to change when new products are introduced. This is because FMSs are typically designed to produce a specific product or family of products. When a new product is introduced, the FMS may need to be redesigned or upgraded. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
In conclusion, FMSs are expensive to build and maintain, but they can save money in the long run by reducing the cost of production. FMSs are also very versatile, but they can be difficult to change when new products are introduced.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: An automated assembly line is a type of FMS. Automated assembly lines are typically used to produce large quantities of a single product. They are very efficient, but they can be expensive to build and maintain.
- Option B: FMSs are typically expensive to alter. This is because FMSs are typically designed to produce a specific product or family of products. When a new product is introduced, the FMS may need to be redesigned or upgraded. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
- Option C: FMSs can be very difficult to change when new products are introduced. This is because FMSs are typically designed to produce a specific product or family of products. When a new product is introduced, the FMS may need to be redesigned or upgraded. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
- Option D: All of the above.