MRP versus Lean - Round 1,318 and still counting
Posted on Tue, Jan 19, 2010
The battle between the advocates of Lean and those of ERP/MRP has been underway for decades and still shows no sign of being completely settled.
The "Lean Purists" argue that proper use of visually controlled Pull Systems, including Kanban, throughout the supply chain will satisfy business requirements without introducing Non-Value Added systems.
The "ERP Zealots" insist that practically speaking, some system is an absolute requirement to control and manage materials in all but the most simple businesses. They further argue that when properly applied, MRP can support Lean implementation.
The argument recently became quite personal for us while working with a small client in a make-to-order business. They had outgrown their informal production scheduling system and were implementing Lean methods in their plant. Their question to us was "What is the best way to load and manage production orders in the plant?" One faction favored a FIFO based pull system while others wanted to use the Shop Floor Capabilities of their ERP system.
With only this limited information, what are your thoughts on how to proceed? Join in the discussion and we will post what we actually advised the client in the next few days.