Evaluation of Barriers Affecting Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems with Graph Theory and Matrix Approach

Abstract

In response to the requirement, the manufacturing processes have evolved from mass production technique, through its implementation on reconfigurable systems. The most difficult part of reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMSs) is an understanding of the barriers related to their relative interdependencies. This article presents a conceptual framework of various barriers associated with RMSs along with their interdependencies. Using graph theory and matrix methods, the barriers of RMSs presented in the form of a single numerical index. The proposed model is quite versatile from the point of view that it provides an opportunity to integrate new barriers which could impact on manufacturing processes. In the present work, an attempt has been made to develop a mathematical model of these barriers using graph theory and matrix methods. An index of barriers in RMS is proposed which evaluates the inhibiting power of these barriers.