Two distinct models of delivery reliability versus delivery speed are tested. On the basis of data from a survey of 193 manufacturing firms, factors associated with the “planning” systems of firms, such as production‐plan goals achieved, inventory goals achieved, and master schedule...

Quantitative forecasting techniques see their greatest application as part of production and inventory systems. Perhaps unfortunately, the problem has been left to systems analysts while the professional societies have contented themselves with exhortations to improve forecasting, neglecting...

Despite the almost universal belief to the contrary, inventory reduction should not be a major objective for investing in advanced manufacturing technology because the financial benefits from it can be relatively small compared with other benefits. This article describes how changes in inventory...

There are several alternatives suggested in the literature to deal with material requirements planning (MRP) system nervousness. Conventional uncertainty buffering techniques, such as safety stock, excess capacity, and safety lead time, can be used to cope with unplanned events and to reduce the...

Provides an empirically based discussion of the uncertainties faced by typical manufacturing firms and how they attempt to accommodate that uncertainty through increased manufacturing flexibility. Suggests a dynamic equilibrium model which helps to illustrate the trade‐offs and...

Given the importance of information technology in today′s society an understanding of the process by which technologies are diffused within and between societies is clearly important. Presents a model of this diffusion process which has been developed on the basis of an extensive research...

Focuses on a computerized sales forecasting system for the control of automotive spare parts. Outlines the logic of the forecasting method, a refinement of exponential smoothing, together with a method for monitoring forecast errors. Describes experiences in developing, implementing and...

Addresses the dynamic, continual‐improvement nature of the JIT implementation process. Learning curves are incorporated to analyse the impact of continual reduction of processing time variation over time. The results provide valuable information on the relationship between the level of...

Presents a multicriteria approach to the ABC classification problem in inventory control. The proposed method, based on Saaty′s Analytic Hierarchy Process, rates items on both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Demonstrates the model through an example, using real data from the maintenance...

When a production system is operating at close to capacity then, after a period of high demand, it may take some time to restore stocks to the level necessary to provide a given level of stockout risk. During this period the risk of a stockout will be higher than intended. Uses simulation to...