ERP, Lean Manufacturing, CAQ

- Is an attempt to integrate all departments and data across a company onto a single computer system that can serve all these different departments' particular needs by using a unified database. 

- Departments still use their own software but ERP systems combine them all together into a single integrated software program that runs from a single database. 

- ERP improves the way a company can take a customer order and process it into an invoice and revenue. 

Advantages

- Integrates all departments across a company.
- Easy fast communication
- Streamlining of process leads to quicker lead time.
- Easy tracking of customer order/processing/invoicing. 

Disadvantages

- Expensive to install an ERP system due to switching over period.
- Training of the workforce needed to use the system.
- ERP systems can be difficult to use.
- Requires all departments to adopt ERP.
- A weak department can compromise the whole system e.g. by incorrectly inputting data.

- Where there is no waste throughout the entire process.

- The objective of lean manufacturing is to ensure no waste is incurred during production and to produce the product only when it is needed. JIT systems are a key feature. 

- JIT systems are derived from a Japanese philosophy, ensuring that the right materials, components and products arrive at the right time, the right place and in the exact amount. 

Advantages

- Wasted storage is reduced.
- No wasted time as production delays are eliminated.
- No waste energy as movement of materials is minimised.
- No wasted materials as only the amount needed is ordered.
- No wasted labour due to work tasks being carefully planned and systems are automated wherever possible. 
- No wasted equipment: machinery is used efficiently and does not stand idle. 

Disadvantages

- To work successfully, JIT requires accurate analysis and forecasts to arrange the correct delivery and production dates. If these are not done correctly, the manufacturer could end up shutting down a production line due to no materials or components to work with. 

- Computer Aided Quality Control systems are made up of machines like a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM).

- During manufacture samples are taken and placed in the CMM.

- A CMM is an extremely accurate dimensional measuring tool that works by using a sensitive probe to record the dimensional coordinate points on the surface around the object.

- This data is then checked against the blueprints of the original design.

- Data is reviewed and fed back into the production process to create changes where necessary.

- Laser scanning technology has also been used to test larger objects that are made up of several components, for example a Mini car.

Advantages

- Extremely reliable.
- Reduced human error.
- Repetitive accuracy.
- Data can be stored and retrieved. 
- 24/7 capacity.
- Allows for more complex items to be checked in a shorter amount of time.
- Feedback can allow for corrections 'upstream' in manufacturing. 

Disadvantages

- Cost of implementation is high. 
- Reduction of jobs.
- Training required for existing staff.
- Paperless data: if the computer shuts down or becomes infected, there is no paperwork to fall back on to continue quality checks.