Flexible Automation
Flexible automation: evolved from programmable automation. It uses equipment that is more customized than that of programmable automation. A key difference between the two is that flexible automation requires significantly less changeover time.
FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System): A group of machines designed to handle intermittent
processing requirements and produce a variety of similar products
CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing): A system for linking a broad range of manufacturing activities through an integrated computer system