This article provides a comprehensive survey of the literature on flexibility in manufacturing, which has grown significantly over the past 10 to 20 years. The authors begin by reviewing classical economic and organizational theories on flexibility, providing a background for understanding manufacturing flexibility. They then define various types of flexibilities in manufacturing, detailing their purposes, methods of achieving them, and suggested measurements and valuations. The article examines the interrelationships among these flexibilities and discusses empirical studies and analytical/optimization models related to them. It concludes with suggestions for future research directions. The introduction highlights the complexity and multidimensionality of flexibility, noting that it is a challenging concept to capture and manage effectively. The authors emphasize the importance of flexibility in manufacturing systems, particularly in discrete parts manufacturing, and the need for better management practices to realize its strategic benefits. The article aims to document the evolution of our understanding of flexibility in manufacturing and to classify and organize the various flexibilities reported in the literature.This article provides a comprehensive survey of the literature on flexibility in manufacturing, which has grown significantly over the past 10 to 20 years. The authors begin by reviewing classical economic and organizational theories on flexibility, providing a background for understanding manufacturing flexibility. They then define various types of flexibilities in manufacturing, detailing their purposes, methods of achieving them, and suggested measurements and valuations. The article examines the interrelationships among these flexibilities and discusses empirical studies and analytical/optimization models related to them. It concludes with suggestions for future research directions. The introduction highlights the complexity and multidimensionality of flexibility, noting that it is a challenging concept to capture and manage effectively. The authors emphasize the importance of flexibility in manufacturing systems, particularly in discrete parts manufacturing, and the need for better management practices to realize its strategic benefits. The article aims to document the evolution of our understanding of flexibility in manufacturing and to classify and organize the various flexibilities reported in the literature.