A new manufacturing planning and control (MPC) system for repetitive and project-based manufacturing

This paper presents a framework for planning, control and execution of many strategies across manufacturing schema (flow to project-based manufacturing), by integrating a number of modules within and outside MPC system. Main features of the framework are integration of Critical Path Method (CPM) module with existing modules, incorporation of unitary structuring technique into existing modules, enhancement of many planning and execution strategies using an integrated system, simplification of vendor follow-up system using suppliers as a part of the planning network, visibility of Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) module as a part of the main system and integration of logistic system with DRP. The proposed framework is illustrated using a typical business scenario in project-based manufacturing. It is evident that many planning, control and execution modules could be incorporated into the framework and thereby provides an integrated approach to planning and execution of many components (materials, resources, activities, suppliers, warehouses, etc.) in manufacturing and distribution environments. Further, the proposed framework becomes a new generation of MPC system within and beyond manufacturing such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and capable of providing direct links to other manufacturing philosophies such as Just-in Time (JIT). It is also capable of providing visibility, flexibility and maintainability for further improvements in manufacturing and distribution environments.