What is FMS ? What is the general field of FMS application?

What is FMS ? What is the general field of FMS application? Is the flehi of FMS application significant in terms of the potential market size for its capability? State with reference to any production unit.

An FMS is a totally automated manufacturing system that consists of machining centers with automated loading and unloading of parts, an automated guided vehicle system for moving parts between machines, and other automated elements to allow unattended production of parts. In a FMS, a comprehensive computer control system is used to run the entire system. A good example of an FMS is the Cincinnati Milacron facility in Mt. Grab, Ohio, which has been in operation for over 20 years. Exhibit SC.4 is a layout of this FMS. In this system, parts are loaded onto standardized fixtures (these are called ("risers"), which are mounted on pallets that can be moved by the AGVs. Workers load and unload tools and parts onto the standardized fixtures at the workstations. Most of this loading and unloading is done during a single shift. The system can operate virtually unattended for the other two shifts each day. Within the system there are areas for the storage of tools (area?) and for parts (areaS). This system is designed to machine large castings used in the production of the machine tools made by Cincinnati Milacron. The machining is done by the four CNC machining centers (areal). When the machining has been completed on a part, it is sent to the parts washing station (area 4) where it is cleaned. The part is then seen to the automated inspection station (area 6) for a quality check. The system is capable of producing hundreds of different parts.

Diagram exhibit SC.4.
Yes, the field of application is significant in terms of the potential market size for its capacity. The general field of applications are :
1: Although technological changes have occurred in almost every industry, many may be unique to an industry. For instance, a prestressed concrete block is a technological advance unique to the constructive industry. Major developments in the design of automobiles will result in cars that are made from recycle parts.
2: Some technological advances in recent decades have had a significant, widespread impact on manufacturing firms in many industries.
3: Hard ware technologies have generally resulted in greater automation of process; they perform labor-intensive tasks originally performed by humans, Example of these major types of hardware technologies are numerically controlled machine tools, maching centers, industrial robots, automated materials handling systems, and flexible manufacturing of systems. These are all computer- controlled devices that can be used in the manufacturing systems of products.
4: Software - based technologies aid in the design of manufacturing products and in the analysis and planning of manufacturing activities. These technologies include computer-aided design and automated manufacturing planning and control systems. And the reference to any production unit is:
Automated materials handling (AMH) system improve efficiency of transportation, storage, and retrieval of materials. Examples are computerized conveyers and automated storage and retrieval systems in which computers direct automatic loaders to pick and place items. Automated guided vehicle system use- embedded floor wires to direct driverless vehicles to various locations in the plant. Benefits of AMH systems include quicker material movement, lower inventories and storage space, reduced product damage, and higher labor productivity.