During the past twenty years, developments in the manufacturing world have revolutionized many aspects of the production process. The introduction of computer technology and automation have had a particularly great impact on manufacturing with a variety of consequences. One consequence is that manufacturing issues cannot be addressed as isolated problems; they require "systems thinking." Thus study and understanding of the behavior of manufacturing systems is an emerging field with a strong interdisciplinary character and increasing importance from an academic and industrial point of view. The purpose of this book is to provide some fundamental methods and tools which can be useful in addressing design and operation issues in manufacturing systems. It is intended as an advanced undergraduate/graduate text for students taking courses in manufacturing and manufacturing systems. The problem solution manual and laboratory handouts are available from the author. In addition, this book can be used by academicians and practitioners. It can also be used by practicing manufacturing engineers to gain insight, techniques and methods related to practical issues of manufacturing systems.
