e-Factory Technology Solution Sets
109
major contribution to this with the proper understanding of how a procurement
decision process works and how it should be automated or supported.
There are two general types of procurement activities in most manufacturing
companies: those for direct manufacturing and that for maintenance, repair,
and operations (MRO). Effort has been focused on purchasing of goods for
direct manufacturing from many quarters. MRP, PDM, ERP, and SCM packages
are all designed to make the material planning and procurement processes
more responsive to corporate needs. The introduction of the external business
process concepts and supporting software have helped as well.
MRO buying is a relatively new area of opportunity and is the ...