Even though this simplifies the modeling of shop operations, there are a few drawbacks:
1. In certain cases, we may need to define separate resources for costing purposes since this type of modeling may not handle all the costing requirements.
2. In case of single piece flow normally quality is checked at the end of all the operations. In case if quality check / disposition take place within the operations, this model may not yield correct results.
3. The model for single piece flow will not work in case if the line / part of the line which has single piece flow is not balanced.
Conclusion
Mix mode manufacturing is here to stay, and companies need to figure out the best way to model the operations in the ERP packages that are implemented. Rather than going in for multiple modules to handle different types of manufacturing practices, they may go for conventional modules only like discrete manufacturing, but with a bit of workaround to model the operations fairly well and achieve good results. This will make the implementation and maintenance of system far simpler and cost effective.
About the authors
Yogesh is a Lead Consultant in the Enterprise Solutions group of Infosys Technologies Limited. He has over 13 years of experience with 10 years of end-to-end business transformation engagements leveraging Oracle Applications. He has consulted for multiple clients in discrete manufacturing space in the United States, Europ,e and Asia-Pacific. His area of specialization is Manufacturing and Supply Chain. Yogesh is an Engineering graduate with a Masters in Business Administration
Shantanu is a Senior Consultant in the Enterprise Solutions group of Infosys Technologies Limited. He has around 6 years of experience with 5 years of end-to-end business transformation engagements leveraging Oracle Applications. He has consulted for multiple clients in discrete manufacturing space in the India and Europe. His area of specialization is manufacturing and supply chain. Shantanu is an engineering graduate with a Masters in Business Administration
Vamsi is a Consultant in the Enterprise Solutions group of Infosys Technologies Limited. He has around 6 years of experience with 5 years of end-to-end business transformation engagements leveraging Oracle Applications. He has consulted for multiple clients in discrete manufacturing space in the India and the United States. His area of specialization is manufacturing and supply chain. Vamsi is an Engineering graduate with a Masters in Business Administration
