Critical success factors in manufacturing resource planning implementation

The implementation process of any information system is a challenging task which becomes even more difficult when the system to be implemented is complex and requires significant organisational change, such as Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II). The study reported here was conducted to identify factors which affect the success of the implementation. This study extends prior research in the MRP II implementation area by evaluating more specific aspects of environmental and methodological factors such as as an organisation’s willingness to change and consultant involvement in the MRP II implementation. This empirical study determined the association among environmental factors, methods of implementation, and MRP II success. A conceptual implementation model was developed and factors were identified which were associated with two measures of MRP II success. Two environmental factors and twelve methodological factors were identified as being associated with MRP II success. Based on the results of the study, an awareness and understanding of these factors will increase the success of future MRP II implementations.