Title: Reconfiguration of standards data for improved production planning

Authors: Gary P. Moynihan, Dana S. Gurley, Paul S. Ray, Thomas L. Albright

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, The University of Alabama, Box 870288, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0288, USA. Department of Industrial Engineering, The University of Alabama, Box 870288, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0288, USA. Department of Industrial Engineering, The University of Alabama, Box 870288, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0288, USA. Culverhouse School of Accountancy, The University of Alabama, Box 870220, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0220, USA

Abstract: In most ERP and MRP systems, the bill of material and the time standards file represent the fundamental data sources used for subsequent processing. This paper addresses the improved systemic use of time standards for such processing functionality. Standards represent time estimates for normal task durations. In a manufacturing environment, the standards file provides data to drive such ERP and MRP functions as production planning and scheduling, estimating, and performance measurement. However, the resulting production plan may be in error due to the inclusion of incomplete operational aspects. Although some classical industrial engineering techniques provide insight into these aspects, the standards data are not stored in a structure adequate for detailed production planning. A reconfiguration in the structure of standards data is proposed in this paper. This restructuring has significant implications for the improved accuracy of production plans, and the enhanced affordability of the resulting product.

Keywords: standards; production planning; scheduling; production control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2002.002521

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2002 Vol.4 No.6, pp.489-503

Published online: 19 Jul 2003 *

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