A new framework for MRP systems to be effective in engineered-to-order environments

Abstract Present day manufacturing resource planning (MRP) systems do not perform well in engineered-to-order (ETO) environments. A study of the use of MRP systems by ETO companies has led to the development of a new framework for manufacturing planning systems. New features allow better coordination of activities in the areas of engineering, material acquisition, production, and delivery. The new framework especially addresses the problem of planning with uncertain information which is characteristic of an ETO environment.