Manufacturing resource planning or "MRP II" is a popular tool for helping manufacturers control their supply chains, accounting principles, inventories and production schedules. With MRP II doing so much for businesses both large and small, many leaders and decision-makers may look for quality training solutions to get staff educated in this useful new planning system.

When looking for training options, managers have a lot to choose from. From large group site training to smaller and more specific classroom options, a business operator can look for solutions tailored to the staff size, skill level, knowledge base and industrial focus. Those looking for training may find:

1. On-site training courses in MRP II (or MRP 2).

2. Online modules offering MRP software or conceptual training to staff members conveniently over the web.

3. Specialized MRP II training solutions including conference type trainings and seminars.

Action Steps
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Look for on-site training in MRP II software and tools

One way to do MRP II staff education is through on-site courses, where educators will present face-to-face lessons on how to use all aspects of MRP II. Learners can get a lot from this direct method, especially for specific questions on how MRP II plays into their particular manufacturing system.

I recommend: On-site training options for MRP solutions and more from APICS, the Association for Operations Management, are offered on AskEdu; use the site to view details on these course offerings at the Chicago location. Get more in MRP II classroom training from Iris through a helpful online catalog.

Find online MRP II software and concept training solutions

If your business doesn't feel that on-site training is the correct investment, consider online MRP II software training options: many times, these simple manufacturing planning software training modules help staff take their own initiative to use the principles of MRP II to their advantage and take your company in a whole new direction.

I recommend: Find online training modules on aspects of manufacturing resource planning solutions at Training-Classes online. The Institute for Supply Management also offers MRP II training modules through a shopping cart system as a convenient way of getting this tested concept to work for your business.

Find specialized MRP II training solutions for corporate or small business resource planning

Other companies have developed their own unique course instruction setups for delivering the power of MRP II principles to clients. Use detailed online sites as a guide to determining which training services fit your needs and schedule.

I recommend: According to the website, past clients loved the "MRP Boot Camp" offered by Manufacturing Education & Systems, a consulting company doing a lot for various businesses. See about getting training solutions from this team to get MRP II competence for your staff; ask about reducing operating costs and get consulting services as well. Get on-site seminars on MRP II and other resource planning from Gray Research.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Using MRP II might propel your business forward, and that's a good thing, but the best software tools and conceptual planning resources always operate best within the guidance of in-house staff taking the initiative to hold the reins: think about who acts as the 'point person' for each process and make sure these people are on task; without oversight, tools and concepts can only do so much.

Would you like your entire manufacturing organization to function as a complete unit? Manufacturing resource planning (MRP II or MRP 2 for short) integrates the resource utilization of multiple functional units into one cohesive process. It allows for planning across an entire manufacturing operation from production to accounting. MRP 2 demands long-term commitment from upper management and it presupposes some key elements for successful implementation.

Success depends upon informational integrity, accurate inventory, disciplined personnel and a comprehensive implementation plan that specifies the cooperation of all departments. At a minimum, MRP II requires the proficient use of master production scheduling (MPS) and capacity requirements planning (CRP). If these processes already exist, then finding manufacturing resource planning solution software is the next step.

As an organization-wide planning and management tool, MRP II implementation may encounter some challenges. However, a systematic, objective approach will ensure successful project completion. Remember these challenges during manufacturing resource planning implementation:

1. MRP 2 implementation is a process, not an event.

2. Appropriate training will be necessary to address the learning curve.

3. Personnel will experience a period of acclimation as they adjust to MRP II.

4. Each functional unit must respond in a timely manner to support implementation.

5. Inaccurate or erroneous data erodes MRP II effectiveness.

Action Steps
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Select the right MRP II software solution to meet your needs.

Configure manufacturing planning software by choosing specific modules. These modules provide functionality for areas such as report generation and customization, quality management, supply chain management, resource management, document management, bills of material and forecasting. Select modules based on your organization's structure and processes to create an individual MRP II software solution.

I recommend: MRP II software directory Capterra allows you to select appropriate functionality and features. Simply check off the features you desire in the filter section and Capterra creates a list of viable software options. You can also scan through the modules at Solid State Software to create an mrp ii software solution. Click on the links to learn about each module offered.

Take advantage of training and support.

Avoid complications caused by human error, inexperience or uninformed in-house technical staff by selecting a software provider that offers the proper training and support. The capacity of MRP 2 to succeed as a management and planning tool rests heavily on the people who use it. Bolster the implementation process by selecting a software provider who understands the importance of user preparation.

I recommend: Horizon Software offers a variety of methods for user training and support including offsite classroom instruction, onsite training or web based information delivery. Or, consider website resources. Choose a provider who offers online information that will enhance your ability to use the material resource planning software. Adonix offers a resource library to help customers get the information they need.

Use trial versions and demonstrations to help you find the best mrp software solution.

Test manufacturing resource planning software by taking advantage of trial versions or demonstrations. These free, sometimes limited time offers, allow for exploration and experimentation within the software package.

I recommend: DBA Manufacturing has an open-ended free evaluation version that has no restrictions on access or data entry. If you prefer a demonstration, sign up with Bowen and Groves. Simply fill out the form to submit a demonstration request.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Avoid impatience and the misguided assumption of failure by educating management about the extended timeline necessary before seeing positive results from the MRP 2 implementation.

Manufacturing resource planning (MRP II) is a concept tailored to the manufacturing or production environment. Generally implemented through software, MRP II gives managers better control of a whole variety of aspects of a business, from cash accounting to inventory and production or stable contracting. Businesses use MRP II (or MRP 2) in different ways to make their processes more efficient.

Managers looking to get great MRP II software and solutions on site for taking advantage of this new technological/conceptual tool can find venues on the web that will offer the software tools, conceptual background and synergy business leaders need to add MRP II tools to their processes. Readers can find:

1. MRP II tools, suggestions and solutions for logistics and supply chain management, including "what if" loops and troubleshooting with MRP software or visuals.

2. MRP II software and solutions for cash or general accounting to tighten up the purse strings of a business.

3. MRP ii systems, tools and info for general use, including flowcharting processes, analysis and change tracking.

Action Steps
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Find MRP II software for logistical or supply chain issues

One aspect of MRP II that many production planners love is the ability of this conceptual tool to break through confusing 'loop' processes or loopholes in a production design. Using MRP II analytically, managers find what is wrong and fix it, with an eye toward less 'wasteful' logistics and supply handling.

I recommend: Find info on using MRP II for "What if?" loops and many aspects of procedural planning listed in order at Plant Maintenance for a look at hands-on MRP II at work. Get more MRP II information and tools at Harris Data.

Find MRP II software for accounting

Some shops really need a hand with the bean counting, number crunching, or whatever else you want to call it. Material resource planning skills can make you a whiz with numbers and help deliver better accounting to the table for when the auditors come around, or any time you want to 'run the numbers.'

I recommend: Look into getting financial MRP II accounting programs from the site at Capterra, where a wealth of business tools and manufacturing software options are offered through an online catalog. Or use the MRP buyer's guide from the Free Library to facilitate getting accounting MRP II solutions for making your floor processes more efficient in end results.

Look for generalized MRP II software solutions for business

Other aspects of MRP II that many find useful include production 'flow,' scheduling, supplier relations, invoicing, materials appropriation, and more. For help with all of these, look for general MRP II sites offering specific info for your shop. Talk to reps and find out what MRP II fits your shop best.

I recommend: Let AllBusiness help you find a wealth of MRP solutions and resources for various flowcharting and process tasks. Or look at purchasing, scheduling and shop floor control features with MRP II in a manufacturing environment at MRP Plus.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use MRP II solutions to help provide great computerized tracking and help you get handle on the numbers, but don't let MRP II or any other tool replace your initiative in thinking outside the box for changing your processes for the better.

Manufacturing resource planning (MRPII) is a non-proprietary system for planning all the resources needed in a manufacturing environment. It integrates multiple elements into one unified and interconnected process. A high-quality MRPII requires long-term commitment from upper management and ongoing modification by users in order for it to function efficiently and effectively.

An MRPII system incorporates modules from virtually every function in a factory, from master production scheduling to document management and bill of materials. As you research MRPII, there are some acronyms and terms you will want to understand.

Action Steps
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Master production schedule (MPS)

A master production schedule is a plan that includes everything necessary for production, including materials, staffing and inventory. The plan includes how much time it will take to complete essential processes, parts that will be required and any other resources that will be needed to optimize production. An MPS is a critical module within an MRPII system.

I recommend: Management Coaching and Training Services has an in-depth guide to the MPS.

Capacity requirements planning (CRP)

Capacity requirements planning refers to the process of determining the factory production capacity necessary to make products and meet demand.

I recommend: There is a helpful description of this CRP at BNet.

Material requirements planning (MRPI)

Material requirements planning is another module you will find within an MRPII system. It ensures that materials and products are available for production, while also managing inventory and planning purchasing activities.

I recommend: Kwaliteg offers an informative diagram and definition.

Distribution resource planning (DRP)

Distribution resource planning is a method for planning orders within a supply chain. It enables the users to set parameters for inventory control and also to calculate time-phased inventory requirements. DRP is a key module included with MRPII software.

I recommend: There is an in-depth definition of distribution resource planning at IBS.

Document management system (DMS)

A document management system is another feature you will find in MRPII. A DMS tracks and stores electronic images of paper documents that are needed in a manufacturing environment.

I recommend: KnowledgeTree offers a variety of document management software systems.

Bill of materials (BOM)

The bill of materials is a list of everything needed in a factory to create a final product. A BOM is broken down by assemblies, sub-assemblies, components, sub-components, parts and the necessary quantities of each.

I recommend: Go to Visitask for more information and links regarding bills of materials.