Integrating Kanban with MRPII Book
 

Click here to place your order with Productivity Press

If you manage inventory, you probably use MRPII, a system based on a push method that embraces work and purchase order execution. MRPII helps you plan and integrate data relevant to your entire organization. But, when you have shifts in demand, you have to: 1) Realign and cancel hundreds of open manufacturing and purchase orders, and then 2) issue new orders.

Another system, kanban, is designed specifically to replenish inventory in just-in-time manufacturing. As consumption occurs, the kanban manual system triggers replenishment signals to the source of supply, so that both production and the supplier are constantly reacting to actual consumption. Compared to MRPII, kanban lowers inventory and minimizes shortages. But the manual process of recalculating every part number by hand, and triggering replenishment by faxing or calling suppliers, is time consuming and non-value-adding.

Automating kanban by blending the planning strength of MRPII with manual kanban pull methods enhances your flexibility and competitive position.

MRP's forward projection capability is used to:

• recalculate kanban lot size.

• perform a simulation to protect against non-linear demand.

• inform production areas and suppliers of the anticipated demand levels for resource planning.

• calculate staffing requirements for flexible work cells.

This system:

• Automatically recalculates and triggers replenishment.

• Integrates suppliers into the manufacturing loop.

• Uses bar codes to enhance speed and accuracy of the receipt process.

Before moving in this direction, preparatory work is required. Work cells should be constructed with material located at the point of use. Container options and transportation methods need to be selected, kanban lot size calculations, and work cell staffing modules to develop. This book will help you deal with these and other topics. You will be able to take advantage of the author's expertise in the design, implementation and evaluation of these systems.

Table of Contents

1. Eliminate Replenishment System Waste

2. Replenishment System Basics

3. Automated Kanban -- The Automated Flow Technology

4. Kanban Prerequisites -- WCM Techniques

5. Implementing Kanban

6. Kanban and MRPII System Integration

7. AFT Calculations for Determining Kanban Lot Sizes and Staffing Levels

8. Perpetuation of the Automated Kanban System

9. Key Topics of the Automated Kanban System

10. Three examples of AFT Implementation

Reviews

Review By: Khamis Refai, Bell Industries

"Bell Industries, as a supplier, went on the automated kanban system initiated by Raymond Louis. We found it beneficial from our perspective as it (1) gave us projected visibility to procure our supplies, (2) freed our personnel from manual phone order process, (3) provided consistent releases enhancing our inventory turns, and (4) increased our business levels through the OEM's consolidation of suppliers."

Review By: Robert Gelber, Coherent Auburn Group

"The automated kanban system that Raymond Louis designed and implemented at Coherent Auburn Group has resulted in significant cost savings."

*You need Acrobat Reader® to view and print Adobe PDF files.
Click here to download the free program.

Kanban PC based calculation software that deal with spike demand, Kanban design & implementation seminars, optimization methodologies, and consulting services.