What does "flexible manufacturing" refer to?

Flexible manufacturing refers to systems designed to accommodate the production of a variety of products with minimal downtime. This concept emphasizes adaptability in production processes, allowing manufacturers to switch between different items or change production schedules quickly in response to market demand or customer preferences.

In a flexible manufacturing environment, machines and equipment can be reconfigured or programmed to handle different tasks, facilitating the efficient production of small to large batches of diverse products. This flexibility enables manufacturers to respond swiftly to changes in demand without incurring significant interruptions or delays in the production line.

The other options describe manufacturing processes that are more rigid and specialized. Dedicated production lines focus exclusively on a single product, automated systems that require no human intervention lack the adaptability needed for varied production, and high-volume production without customization limits the ability to switch between diverse products rapidly. Therefore, the definition of flexible manufacturing is accurately captured by the idea of systems that allow for varied products with minimal downtime.