MRP II company profile and implementation problems.

MRPII 81

MRP II company profile and implementation problems: A Singapore experience

J.S.K. Ang*, C.C. Sum, K.K. Yang

Department qf Decision Sciences, Faculty qf Business Administration, National University of Singapore, Singapore 0511

(Received 11 March 1993; accepted after two revisions 30 August 1993)

Abstract

This study, jointly conducted by the National University of Singapore and the National Computer Board (NCB), was motivated by the growing interest shown by the manufacturing industry in using MRP II to manage and improve their companies’ operations. Using survey methodology, we gathered data on (1) the fundamental characteristics of the company, (2) the MRP II features and (3) the problems encountered during MRP II implementation.

We use user satisfaction with MRP II as a surrogate measure for MRP II implementation outcome. The relationships between organizational and operation variables and MRP II implementation outcome were investigated. Implementation problems were also analyzed. Singapore manufacturing companies cannot afford to experiment with emerging technolo- gies such as MRP II. It is costly to do so. Potential users can use the findings as a guide to enhance the probability of success in MRP II implementation, while existing users can use the findings to manage their MRP II more effectively.