Does ERP fit in a lean world?

Abstract

The enterprise resource planning systems of the 1990s have become a liability for many manufacturers because they perpetuate some of the legendary material requirements planning (MRP) problems such as complex bills of materials, inefficient workflows, and unnecessary data collection. A new manufacturing model has emerged that is taking the place of the traditional MRP model. It is called Lean Flow, or Demand-Pull. While the development of Lean tools is still in its infancy, a new paradigm has emerged that will replace the one-size-fits-all mentality imposed on businesses by many ERP vendors.