An Empirical Investigation of Computer Technology Support for Production Management (CTSPM) in Advanced Manufacturing

The purpose of the study is to introduce computer technology support for production management (CTSPM) systems in twenty Taiwanese manufacturing companies, four government organizations, and four commercial software consultants, by drawing on the practical experience of fifty-four senior' managers of management information systems (MIS) and production management. The research design used qualitative and quantitative analyses to develop a model of CTSPM implementation and integration. There are three phases of fieldwork that need to be considered for CTSPM systems. The first phase is a series of within-case analysis and across-case analysis on the use of CTSPM in manufacturing companies. The second phase identifies from case analysis the most important elements of CTSPM systems allowing comparison with the findings of other researchers. The third phase is the development of a model of CTSPM implementation and integration. The research findings indicate that Taiwanese manufacturing companies are aware of the level of computerization of manufacturing, the barriers and facilitators to CTSPM, and the benefits already gained or anticipated from CTSPM. MIS and production managers agreed on the importance of an organizational framework that supports learning and mutual understanding for CTSPM systems to succeed. In order to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in a highly changeable logistics management environment, computer integrated manufacturing (CIM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain management (SCM), customer relationship management (CRM) and CTSPM systems are necessary for systematic and dynamic support of managerial activities.