Book Reviews

MRP:
Integrating Material Requirements Planning and Modern Business

By Terry Lunn and Susan Neff

Reviewed by Steve Buchwald, CIRM

You may recall my discussion regarding whether or not we need mathematics in a good inventory control book. Well, by chance, I may have found the perfect solution. I found a great MRP text book without mathematical mumble jumble. The book, MRP: Integrating Material Requirements Planning and Modern Business, by Terry Lunn and Susan Neff, APICS order #03152, is part of the Irwin/APICS Series in Production Management, and is the topic of this months book review.

Today, one must be very careful with books, as technology and methodology change so rapidly, books become obsolete soon after they are written (sometimes even before they are finished). This is why I normally check the published date of any book before I purchase it. Still, I started reading this book without a second thought to the date. As I read it, I thought to myself that this must be a brand new book. Well, when I finished the book I decided to check out the date. Was I in for a surprise! The book was actually written in 1992. Once in a while, a book is written so well and so thoughtfully that it tends to anticipate changes in the body of knowledge and therefore withstands the test of time. And so it is with this book.

There are still those who think that JIT means an end to MRP and MRPII. However, luckily the number is dwindling. This book is good for understanding the basics of MRP and MRPII and how they can enhance a JIT initiative and improve scheduling at all levels. The book's non mathematical, non theoretical, style is perfect for anyone just getting started in the field, yet goes into greater detail in the appendices in the back of the book, for those so inclined. In fact, there is a whole appendix dedicated to lot-sizing techniques, and is somewhat mathematical. In addition there is an appendix that is a paper and pencil exercise so that you can be sure you understood the text correctly and that you can actually do the work.

The book deals with everything from the planning process, including the Master Production Schedule, to the people who make the business work. It discusses inputs and outputs, and how to manage with MRP. It offers suggested readings and includes points of focus within each chapter. It talks about the bill of materials and the importance of flattening the bills and of understanding at which level you should be forecasting. I know for myself, that I have already improved my work to my company, as I use the insights gained from reading this book. I could go on forever about this book but it is best if you try it for yourself.

You will quickly see that you can be better prepared to use you computer system to:

• Help with the planning process;
• Solve scheduling problems;
• Calculate the appropriate quantities needed to support a desired schedule;
• Use MRP to help integrate the whole business unit and to make the MPS a reality.

Alas, now that I finally answered my question from a few months ago, I look forward to having some new discussions with you.

Good reading!