process module

Due to the dynamic production environment with its multiple fast changing influences, planning and reconfiguration cycles in production have become shorter. In this context, changeability and flexibility of production systems are major factors for success. The paper defines changeability and describes flexibility as major base for changeability. With the concept of Production Projects an innovative and promising concept is introduced that supports the systematic optimization of flexibility and that links the lifecycles of products and production. Furthermore, the Flexibility Mode and Effect Analysis (FlexMEA), on which the systematic analysis and optimisation of flexibility is based, is presented.