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Production planning and control is a complex task in multiple batch
production situations. Work orders arrive in a random manner and,
considering the diverse product array, work centre capacities loaded and
available also change in a random manner. A particular product mix may
suit a particular load pattern generated and, to be realistic, the
optimum product mix must be considered a dynamic parameter rather than a
static one. Considering the multitude of parameters associated, it is
difficult to determine the optimum product mix in a manual system. The
use of a computer simulation model to determine the optimum product mix
and also the criteria to be used in arriving at the pricing strategy
under multiple batch production situations are discussed.
A recent United Nations Industrial Development Organisation executed pilot project in Sri Lanka aimed at providing restructuring assistance to ten manufacturing enterprises, looked at the application of computers for management functions and analysed the constraints limiting the use of the computer potential for improving enterprise competitiveness. This paper reports on the key observations and recommendations arising from this pilot project. It was found that though all the enterprises had access to computers, the utilisation was mainly for payroll, accounting and wordprocessing tasks. Surprisingly the restructuring recommendations to improve enterprise competitiveness were based on a strategy of improving operations management and generating up-to-date management information and financial forecasts, areas that were not computerised. The paper analyses the findings from the ten pilot enterprises and recommends ways of enhancing the utilisation of the potential of microcomputers for improving the competitiveness of enterprises. The problems identified here in a developing country with a high literacy rate and high per capita utilisation of PCs, would be useful to other developing countries, facing the competitive threats arising from globalisation.
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