Smooth system startups
By Rick Bushnell -- Modern Materials Handling, 5/1/1999
Contemplating ERP, MES, WMS, or integrated systems? Think about this first: Why do anything at all?Now, I think, I have your attention! Seriously, everyone would probably agree that we all must do things faster to maintain our competitive edge. Decisions need to be made and plans must be executed, so integrated systems like a manufacturing execution system (MES), warehouse management system (WMS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) are an absolute must if a company is to balance schedules, resources, and demands- and do them quickly.
But here is something to think about. While integrating the information is necessary, not everyone is making the change successfully, let alone smoothly. So why are some companies experiencing major difficulties while others are quite successful? I think the problem stems from a lack of one or both of two basic enablers.
The first enabler is something I call an enterprise-wide vision. The second is a working knowledge of automatic data capture (ADC) and electronic data interchange (EDI) communication techniques that may or may not be Internet-enabled.
When trying to determine if enablers are present, an observer can be misled because when people talk about things like ERP, it sounds like they must have an enterprise-wide vision. But talk is cheap.
Similarly, just because people apply bar codes or even scan them in shipping or receiving does not mean that they really understand how to use the information. And even if one is transmitting or receiving orders electronically, one has to integrate this information and these functions into other activities like order entry or purchasing.
Companies and people lacking the enterprise-wide vision don't eliminate errors, because they don't understand how the data they gather and communicate affects the entire enterprise. In fact, I've heard people say, "that bar code and compliance labeling or EDI stuff is just going to have to wait until we get this WMS, ERP, or MES up and running." Or they believe that since bar code and EDI are recognized parts of these systems that somehow they will just magically happen with the implementation of the new system.
Since new systems are dependent upon accurate inventories, implementation takes longer when the enablers are not present. No computer system can work without valid data. Systems can't function if the inventory that they are trying to balance, draw from, or reorder for is a fantasy.
If you want to know how successful your company, customers, or suppliers will be in implementing the latest technology, just see how dedicated they are to 100% accurate inventory.
For more information, go to the Internet Library at the site, www.isit.com, and use the key words "not using."
Inventory accuracy is important
Time and time again, I hear about and see companies experiencing prolonged startup periods for their new systems such as ERP (enterprise resource planning), WMS (warehouse management system), and MES (manufacturing execution system). Attention to inventory accuracy often is a root problem slowing startup. Companies aren't using bar code and electronic ordering to eliminate errors. And thus they can't keep their inventory straight.
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