Most of the planning models for automated manufacturing systems are based on the assumption that for each part there is only one process plan available. A more realistic point of view is taken that for each part a number of different process plans are generated, each of which may require specific types of tools and auxiliary devices such as fixtures, grippers, and feeders. A model for the selection of a set of process plans with the minimum corresponding manufacturing cost and minimal number of tools and auxiliary devices is formulated. The developed model for m parts is equivalent to the problem of finding the maximum clique in an m-partite graph with the minimum corresponding cost. Heuristic algorithms and numerical results are discussed. >