ASSIGNMENT 2 (100 Marks) Refer to case study presented below and answer the ques
ID: 327583 • Letter: A
Question
ASSIGNMENT 2 (100 Marks) Refer to case study presented below and answer the questions in case requirements outlined at the end of the case study THE POLY CORPORATION THE INDUSTRY AND COMPANY BACKGROUND The Poly Corporation is a manufacturer of packaging materials for several food, medical, and industrial applications. The company buys raw materials from large plastics manufacturers in the United States, converts and prints the materials, and sells the finished products to large and small customers throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Most customers order custom-printed items displaying their name. In many cases, they have from 3 to 20 different types of items to be custom-printed. Companies that co-pack may also have several private labels for any number of their customers. Furthermore, with over 20 different raw material products to work with, the number of unique items supplied to even one customer can be in the hundreds. Because of the nature of the business, sales tend to be seasonal, with the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's holidays being the busiest. The holiday season creates the biggest potential for capacity problems. Conversely summer is the slowest period for Poly similar to Poly and some that are vertically integrated in the industry to some extent. The local and regional players in the field tend to be the most competitive on price, while those that are in the national arena do not compete on price. Without a concerted effort, Poly has established a reputation of very high-quality products. This is due, in part, to the quality of materials it uses Another reason is that Poly, being a young company, has had the benefit of acquiring state-of-the-art machinery, while others in the industry are getting by with antiquated and inefficient technology In the area of packaging materials where Poly competes, customers have traditionally looked for a high-quality product that performs well. In addition, many food companies rely on prompt delivery. Late deliveries of food packaging materials would cause the company's operations to shut down due to the inability to procure packaging materials elsewhere in a reasonable time. The industry is notorious for long lead times, less than adequate delivery, and being anything but customer-focused. While Poly does better than most in these areas, its general manager, Mr. Pine, believes that much improvement is possible. Because Poly is unable to compete on price, the issues of lead times, delivery, and customer focus will become increasingly important if Poly is to Page 10 of 15Explanation / Answer
The current information system of Poly Corporation is weak. The current sytem is unable to provide and meet the exact needs and expectations of customers on time and in right manner. The service level which are responsible to provide services to its customers are unable to keep pace with the rapid growing competition. Customers are unable to get the right information and updated knowledge about products available. The lead times of delivery is taking more than the expected time which makes customers dissatisfied. The status of taking and confirming order are inaccurate at times and the qulaity of products are not maintaining the required standard. Management of Poly Corporation are also depressed and frustated for the inefficient productivity and poor performance reports. Most of the functions and work processes are handled manually which are time consuming and have many errors. Reports and accounts are made through computers which have older software applications and no new updated versions. Performance reports are made for external audit and internal review purpose. Management reports are only made on request.
The new improved system which needs to be implemented to take control and identify weaknesses. The first step will be to improve communication in the most suitable manner. The application of updated technology like laptops, desktops, notepads, smart phones to every employees and management must be provided. Management and employees must be able to communicate on time. Discussions, meetings, video calling, direct calling, emailing messaging of any changes to be made can be communiated by management easily through network facilities and messaging. Appraisal and daily reporting to higher authority and management must be made by managers and team leaders to imrpove performance. Different motivational techniques like appreciating, reward giving, certificate providing for good performer should be done by management to improve performance. Computerised techniques and network facility to be used by every department so that every department is informed and communicated about how to maintain standard and quality of products. Understanding and matching the exact needs of customers through examining customer behaviour and researching market need and current trends will improve customer service level.
The information system of Poly Corporation needs to be improved and have the updated and current computerised technology in every department. The New improved Computerised technology installed and implemented in every department will improve communication and performance of employees. Performance can be managed easily through PMS system. Customer services can be improved as customers can provide details of what is required which will help in meeting needs better. The use of MRP, MRPII and EDI system in the current information system will help to track, record and update data.Material requirement planning will help in managing procurement for manufcaturing operations. Manufacturing resource planning will help in planning capacity of production, capaity of machine, demand forecasting and quality tracking. MRPII tools are used for tracking attecndance and contribution of employees. Electronic interchange of data helps in timely and reliable communication and information.