Ask the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Expert: Scheduling Assistance
 Asked on Nov 16 2006 11:30:54:000AM | Q | Dear Mr Amann, I'm working for a small company (200 employees). We do have a ERP system in place and are looking for a PLM.
In my mind, because of its financial nature, the ERP shall master the creation of any item numbers that are to be used for engineering purposes. Therefore, I would expect the ERP to generate all of the item numbers required by engineering for identification of documents, parts, assemblies and products.
On the other hand, this seems to complicate things as engineers now need to ask for new item numbers.
How is the item number generation best accomplished when both ERP and PLM are involved in the same processes? Claude Chevalier, Quebec, QUE |
| A | Item number generation responsibility can change over time. Items that are standard/commonly used production parts and procured parts and components are normally created and mastered within the ERP environment and the ERP system is used to generate new item/part numbers. Associated with these items are financial, supplier and inventory information that is normally managed within ERP. However, during concept design, early development and prototyping, engineering users need to be able to create part numbers and items that may never be either produced or procured. Creation of "temporary" item and part numbers during this phase (prior to making build/buy decisions) is best accomplished within the PLM environment. PLM will issue the new item/part numbers, and associated metadata until the design is mature enough to know which items will actually be used and to begin production planning. Once generated, master control of items and parts for change management purposes can reside in either PLM or ERP depending on individual company policies. |
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