MIS System

Posted in Gadgets on 11. Mar, 2010

MRP and MRP II

MRP can stand for one of two things. In an environment for manufacturing, it can refer to computer application software, or Material Requirements Planning. It is then just referred to as MRP. The software helps in material tracking involved in the manufacturing of the product. It is important to mention the materials’ focus in MRP when talking of Material Requirements Planning. MRP can also stand for Manufacturing Resource Planning, and is then referred to as MRP II. MRP II still involves a computer software application but focuses on all of the resources of an organization and looks at capacity scenarios/worst-case demand. A few of the points that it takes into account are sales, MRP, product scheduling, execution support systems and commercial planning. Focuses of MRP II are on the staff involved in maintaining a manufacturing environment. MRP in the computer system sense is but one part of MRP II.

MRP II Benefits

Benefits of MRP II include improvements from design and management to improvements in the financial arena. For management, MRP II provides a method that is systematic for everyone in the organization to follow so that everyone is on the same page in how to business and event management that cause company problems. Management of records becomes better improved in an MRP II environment. Needs of customers are of the highest importance and deliveries become faster when MRP II system adherence occurs. If deliveries are faster, the cash flow is quicker. Production systems and inventories become controlled better as do schedules. These are just a few examples of the advantages of MRP II system implementation in an environment for manufacturing.

MIS and ERP

ERP is enterprise resource planning and considers the expansive topics of operations, commercial issues such as commercial planning and marketing, materials, finance, and distribution. Under operations, ERP handles capacity requirements, the flow of work orders, manufacturing systems such as for support, simulation and engineering changes, and the management of data for the product is handled in the category of operations as well. In the ERP commercial category is conducting sales, commercial planning, and preparing systems for marketing. In the finance category, financial planning, accounts receivable and payable are handled. In the materials phase, management of inventory is handled as is the MRP scheduling. The distribution phase handles the product’s distribution systems. Human resources are also handled in an ERP system. A management information system is an MIS. Both MRPs and ERPs manage information at a software level and are therefore in the category of management information systems.

Measurements

Measurements can be used to assure that the steps taken for MRP II are functioning. Using MRP systems can help increase the bottom line for businesses that practice it. It can also aid in productivity in the business and in monitoring of inventories.

CAM Integration and MRP

A capability that is relatively new is an MRP system that can act by itself but can additionally function with a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system-integration of the two is possible. Usually, all of the material ordering is handled by an MRP system. The CNC programmer then must look at the orders from the MRP system to translate them him or herself and input the information and drawing into the CAM system. Having a system that is automated where the MRP system communicates all information that is necessary with the CAM system will save time on manually inputting data into the CAM system and will help prevent human error.

There is a lot to gain from using MRP and ERP systems. There is always room for advancement in a company and these valuable tools could assist any business become more successful.

Marc Anderes is the Vice President of Operations of Maloya Laser which specializes in Metal Manufacturing and Laser Cutting with advanced laser technologies, for medical, aerospace, scientific and transportation needs.