MRP and MRP II
Two things define MRP. In a manufacturing environment, it can refer to Material Requirements Planning, or computer application software. 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 note the materials’ focus in MRP when speaking of Material Requirements Planning. Manufacturing Resource Planning also is references as MRP, and is then referred to as MRP II. MRP II still involves a computer software application but focuses on all of the organizational resources and looks at worst-case demand/capacity scenarios. A few of the points that it takes into account are sales, MRP, product scheduling, commercial planning and execution support systems. 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 financial arena improvements. 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 problems in the company. Records management becomes better improved in an MRP II environment. Customer needs are of utmost importance and deliveries become faster when MRP II system adherence occurs. If deliveries are faster, there is quicker cash flow. Inventories and production systems become better controlled as do schedules. These are just some of the examples of the benefits of MRP II system implementation in a manufacturing environment.
MIS and ERP
ERP is enterprise resource planning and takes into account the broad topics of operations, commercial topics such as marketing and commercial planning, finance, materials, and distribution. Under operations, ERP handles capacity requirements, the flow of work orders, simulation and engineering changes, manufacturing systems such as for support, and the data management for the product is handled in the operation category as well. In the commercial category of ERP is preparing systems for marketing, commercial planning, and conducting sales. In the finance category, accounts receivable, accounts payable and financial planning are handled. In the materials phase, management of inventory is handled as is the MRP scheduling. The phase of distribution handles the distribution systems of the product. An ERP system also handles human resources. MIS is a management information system. Both MRPs and ERPs manage software level information and are therefore considered management information systems.
Measurements
Measurements can be used to ensure that the MRP II steps taken are working. Using Systems for MRP can help increase the bottom line for businesses that put it into practice. It can also help in productivity in the business and in inventory monitoring.
MRP and CAM Integration
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-the two can be integrated together. Usually, all of the material ordering is handled by an MRP system. The CNC programmer then must review 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 necessary information with the CAM system will save time on inputting data manually into the CAM system and will help prevent human error.
There is much to gain from using ERP and MRP systems. There is always room for advancement in a business and these valuable tools could assist any business become more successful.
Marc Anderes is a co-founder of Maloya Laser that is dedicated to <A href=”http://www.MaloyaLaser.com”>Laser Cutting</a> and Metal Manufacturing with advanced <A href=”http://www.maloyalaser.com/capabilities_equipment.php”>laser technologies</a>, for aerospace, medical, machinery, scientific and transportation requirements.
