A study of prerequisites and requirements for implementation at a cable manufacturing company
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
M. J. Fox, Jr.; Hogg, Gary L.
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Texas A&M University
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
1989
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Specific Material Designation and Extent of Item
221
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
D.Eng.
Body granting the degree
Texas A&M University
Text preceding or following the note
1989
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
An internship experience on the implementation of a manufacturing resources planning (MRP II)-type software system at a large wire and cable manufacturing company is reviewed. The MRP II system installed at the Saudi Cable Company (SCC) at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had not been completely implemented. The system adopted, NCR Interactive Manufacturing Control System II (NCRIMCS II), is a closed loop material and production control system consisting of interrelated modules which build, maintain, and report on the system, using a common data base. This system is interactive, so files are updated instantly and information and answers to inquiries obtained from the system, once it is in operation, are always accurate and current. The intern observed the day-to-day use of the system at SCC and interviewed users, first as Systems Analyst and Management Trainee and later as an outside consultant. The intern found that NCRIMCS II at SCC was technically adequate but not fully implemented, with low data integrity (<65%), ignorance of the system (no formal, written implementation plan), and low levels of usage (software was installed, but data bases were vacant or populated with out of date, incomplete, and erroneous data). A discussion of a detailed proposed reimplementation plan for NCRIMCS II at SCC is presented. The plan includes the education of at least 80% of the work force in the justification for and use of the system, and the development and monitoring of a formal project plan. The role and responsibilities of the top management of the company and a framework of prerequisites and requirements for successful system implementation and operation are discussed. Assessments of MRP II at SCC and the internship experience conclude this report.