Describe the ways in which a furniture making firm could use IS and IT to transform its manufacturing operations.

Computer aided design (CAD)

CAD can improve designs and so decrease the amount of raw materials used such as timber and decrease the number of hours involved in assembly.

 Computer aided manufacturing (CAM)

CAM can reduce the number of human labour hours include in manufacture, assembly and packing through efficient manufacturing processes. (The use of assembly robots could enhance productivity further).

 Material Requirement Planning (MRP) and Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRPII) 

Computerised systems, such as MRP, for planning the requirement for raw materials, work-in-progress and finished items can lead to better forecasting, flexibility and the avoidance of production bottlenecks. MRPII shows a more complete system containing all resources of a manufacturing company to balance supply and demand.

 Improved stock control

Sophisticated inventory systems and records can help safeguard against 'stock outs' and expensive delays in the supply of raw materials (as well as permitting for less stock holding and staff handling).

 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 

Management of supplier relations can be improved by the use of common systems and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The impact could be a speeding up of deliveries of timber and other raw materials so improving the potential of lead times and stock holding.