Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper discusses the approach taken in the implementation of an improved operational control system and the resulting operational performance within a small specialist clothing manufacturer. The development and implementation of a suitable manufacturing information system is discussed and it is shown that the subsequent competitive position of the enterprise has improved due to the efficient management of information resources from two operational strategic levels of this firm.

The approach taken is to map the information using the IDEF methodology, looking at the requirements of different functions within the group in order to ascertain the roles and software requirements of the new system. This approach has identified where information is lost, misused or not processed efficiently or effectively. The development and implementation of a suitable manufacturing information system is discussed and it is shown that the subsequent competitive position of the Company has improved due to the enhanced management of the information resource. The paper will appraise the current and future status of information flows and the resulting feedback enhancements provided to staff.

One of the areas of interest is the idea of moving away from the current sales-led approach to a more highly organised production approach and the subsequent implications of this on the Company. There is a common failing regarding production; the sales vs. production and the retail vs. contract conflict. The Company now sees that moving from a sales oriented environment to a stance where production will always meet customer requirements, whether this be retail or contract, is of the greatest importance. This has entailed further issues including the culture and motivation of staff towards organisational objectives and further improvement.