An Operations Measurement System

Manufacturing industry has never been more competitive than it is today. In such a climate, the strong, efficient and innovative only will survive. Managing a manufacturing company is a complex operation, with the need to co-ordinate many functional activities towards the common goal. It is how well these resources are managed that dictates the efficiency and productivity levels attained within the company. To help us achieve our objectives and become a profitable company it is essential that we have fast and accurate information reported on how well we are performing against our targets. This allows us to measure our success against budgets and forecasts, as well as departmental objectives which have been identified as critical to the overall operational performance. We can make use of cheap computing power to help us achieve this level of control. This article describes the selection of critical parameters which need monitoring, and how a microcomputer has been used to prepare management control charts with which to manage the operations. purchase prices must be checked against standards set for the year. Finally, the materials must be reliably and accurately stored and kitted.