Choose the Best Software Package: Material, Capacity Requirement and Enterprise Resource Planning
As part of the management team at PPQ Parts, I have been charged with selecting the best software packages for several of the firm 's needs. These needs include materials requirement planning (MRP), capacity requirement planning (CRP), and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Before we can choose among the various software programs, we need to first identify the needs as listed above. We can begin with MRP. This is basically a planning system for production that is used for planning new projects. MRP also helps with controlling inventory as part of the system, and may be used to maintain manufacturing details within the system proper. Although the majority of MRP is performed electronically by computer methods, it is possible to plan for materials by hand. There are three main points for materials planning systems, and they must be met simultaneously. Of course, the system must make sure that the materials are available to meet the needs of production and delivery to those who have ordered them. Furthermore, the system is meant to help maintain the lowest conceivable amount of supplies within the storehouse. Lastly, the quality system is meant to indicate the necessary methods for manufacture, delivery, and even purchasing as needed. Fortunately, there are prepared software suites to accomplish these tasks. One of the solutions is by Epicor software. Epicor realizes that manufacturers are under a great deal of pressure to produce quality merchandise in a consistent fashion. Economic fluctuations and market governance and compliance mandates add to the complexities manufacturers face every day. Striving to reduce costs and increase profitability while remaining competitive is no easy task (Epicor, 2012). Epicor also produces an ERP solution as well. The price range for Version 9.0 is about $4,000-$500,000. This large range in price is contingent upon the amount of users as well as the platform that is chosen by the company. The positives of this system are that
References: Consona (2012) ERP System Examples. http://www.consona.com/erp-system-examples.aspx. Last accessed May 14, 2012. Epicor (2012) Manufacturing Software - MRP Software. http://www.epicor.com/industries/manufacturing/pages/manufacturing-software.aspx. Last accessed May 14, 2012. Khosrow–Puor, M. (2006) Emerging Trends and Challenges in Information Technology Management. Idea Group, Inc. p. 865.