An attribute approach to the measurement of machine-group flexibility

Researchers have emphasized that different factors have to be considered when discussing the flexibility of a single machine and that of a group of machines. The present research focuses on proposing methods for measuring machine-group flexibility, which is an extension of the model for measuring single machine flexibility. The measurement of machine-group flexibility needs to take into account at least the following three attributes, namely efficiency, versatility and redundancy. Measurement models for each of these three attributes are demonstrated, and a combined measurement approach for machine-group flexibility is suggested. The entropy approach, which states that the greater the number of available options, the larger the entropy value, is applied to the measurement of versatility and redundancy. Finally, an example illustrates the application of the flexibility measurement models developed in this research.