Hitachi Seiki Case Analysis

Components of FMS

1. FMS Workstations

Machining center
Turning machines
Milling machines
Boring machines
Tapping machines

2. Automated MHS

Wire-guided and rail-guided pallet carrying AGV
Conveyor system
Robots

3. Controls and communications

NC controllers
Adaptive control
Central computer

4. AS/RS for tool transfer and storage

5. Tool monitoring system

6. Automatic inspection, deburring

7. Parts washing facility: cleaning, coolant and chip removal system

SWOT analysis (prior to FMS 102)

12. Founded 1936, machine tools for Japanese market
13. Industry extremely competitive, rapid technological
14. FMS: new frontier; reputation as technology leader
15. 1985: 132 machining centers (12 types); 8 FMS

|Strength                                                       |Opportunity                                                     |
|Leader in machine tools                                         |Consortium to develop NC and funded by MITI                     |
|3 decades of machine tool manufacturing experience             |Advanced development in electronics to develop controllers     |
|Strong in mechanical technology                                 |                                                               |
|Experience in special machine tool and transfer line           |                                                               |
|Weakness                                                       |Threat                                                         |
|Lack of System skills                                           |Intense competition in the Industry                             |
|Lack of experience in building machine with electronics         |                                                               |
Chronology of FMS Development

|Period               |Product                   |Key Technology                           |Focus                               |
|1930s...