Tutorial A3 q31-40 Flashcards
Why is the implementation of ERP difficult?
- Communication between all parts of a business
- Managing fast evolving businesses (e-commerce etc.)
- Practicalities of installing hardware & software
- Changes to working practices
- Training staff in new systems.
What are the advantages of implementing ERP?
- All business systems are integrated and work together
- Data can flow freely throughout
- Minimises the chance of ‘losing’ important information
- Better view of business, easier to make decisions
What are the advantages of implementing ERP (specific to manufacturing)?
- Can help to reduce lead times through better process control i.e. data to support MRP and MRPII
- Helps management of complex Bill-of-Materials
What are the disadvantages of implementing ERP?
- Expensive and time consuming to implement
- Can reduce morale
- Problems with sharing complex or sensitive data
- Forcing compliance to a standard can reduce competitiveness
How can ERP reduce moral?
- Forces workers to adapt to new business practices
- Removes ownership of business areas
- Restricts existing processes that are perceived to ‘work well already’
What is Lean Manufacturing?
The philosophy of ‘zero wastes’ from JIT developed into a broader and wider looking philosophy that exists throughout the supply chain
What is ‘leanness’?
The combination of:
- Eliminating unnecessary resources (zero wastes)
- Increasing efficiency and effectiveness (Kaizen)
What main areas of manufacturing can leanness be applied?
- Plant
- Supplier network
- Production development
- Relationships with distributors and customers
What are the benefits of being a Tier 1/Tier 2 etc.
supplier to an OEM?
-Encourages competition
-Opportunities to remain as suppliers
-Opportunities arise
from good performance (quality, cost, delivery, engineering capability)
What is Agile Manufacturing?
The next step in development from lean manufacturing to take advantage of leanness to be an adaptable, rapidly responding (right product, right time) business
What is Global Manufacturing?
Using the philosophies of leanness and agile manufacturing to take advantage of globalisation (e.g. production located where cost/expertise exists, take advantage of local knowledge for product development/marketing)
What is e-manufacturing?
Taking advantage of modern IT systems (cloud computing etc.) to breakdown geographic barriers to the business
