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Vol 31 - No 01 - February 2005 Branch news: North East Branch - Business Systems for Manufacturers The trend towards greater automation and integrated computer software systems continues to gather pace. But for many smaller manufacturing organisations shaping an ‘Enterprise Resource Planning’ (ERP) system to meet specific company needs often means costly technical support and guidance. Following an influx of enquiries about ERP, the North East’s Regional Centre for Manufacturing Excellence (RCME) joined forces with the Institute of Operations Management to deliver a focussed seminar on business systems for manufacturers. Based on the knowledge and experience of its members, the IOM was identified by the RCME as the ideal organisation to deliver the event. Attended by 30 companies from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside, delegates were presented with an overview of ERP systems, guides to assessment and implementation and case studies on successfully operating systems. At the event, held at RTC North in Sunderland, IOM members, Frank Berkovits of NA Consultants and Ian Henderson of MLG, helped delegates to understand some of the fundamental aspects of an ERP system such as the evaluation of a planning system. The step-by-step guide to selecting and implementing a business system proved effective in helping delegates recognise the size of the undertaking and of the need to adopt a systematic approach, best co-ordinated by a ‘project team’. Using a real manufacturing organisation as an example, the experts highlighted problems which may occur in a system which is sub-optimal, reviewed a wide range of issues within the company and critiqued a number of potential solutions. The importance of keeping plans simple, understanding the systems needs of your business and the issues involved in improving performance were identified as key to the successful implementation of ERP systems. At the forefront of the DTI’s Manufacturing Advisory Service, the RCME handles hundreds of enquiries every year and frequently holds seminars on recurring manufacturing issues such as lead free soldering, product development or automation. If you would like to receive a free CD-ROM of the presentations delivered at the event contact Leigh Davies on 01915164400 or e-mail leigh.davies@rtcnorth.co.uk Alan Whittaker RTC North & North East MAS Related Topics:
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