Gray Research - Books by Chris Gray

The Lean Standard System covers lean manufacturing concepts and closely related topics like performance measurements and integration with planning systems. It explains the core functionality that must be present in lean software to truly support basic concepts of pull (kanban) and flow.

The functions described in the Lean Standard System include those required to support value stream mapping, takt time and EPE Interval calculations, leveling and mixed model scheduling, kanban (pull) systems, visual control boards, supplier scheduling and performance measurements. It describes the activities that are part of a working lean production environment, as well as an explanation of the some of the assumptions and the experience that led to these functions.

Second in a Series on Manufacturing Software Standards

Sales and Operations Planning Standard System by Christopher Gray, 2007. Trafford Publishing. To order

The Sales and Operations Planning Standard System describes a simple set of software functions, primarily those in the areas of aggregate sales planning, aggregate supply planning, aggregate inventory or backlog planning, reporting and display of key performance and planning information, rough-cut (capacity and material) planning, and financial planning.

It describes the activities that are part of a working sales and operations planning process, as well as an explanation of the assumptions and the experience that led to these functions.

Includes reference software for S&OP and rough cut planning.

First in a Series on Manufacturing Software Standards.

Sales and Operations Planning - Best Practices by John Dougherty and Christopher Gray, 2006. Trafford Publishing. To order

Hear from some of the world's best run companies on the process many call "management's handle on the business".

Sales and operations planning "S&OP" is the process used by leading companies for management communication, control and decision-making.

How S&OP is used, and how it is integrated into other important programs and strategies - lean manufacturing, supply chain management, globalization and sourcing, order fulfillment strategies like finish-to-order and postponement, and 6 Sigma / TQM - are explained in detail in this new book.

The Right Choice, A Complete Guide to Evaluating, Selecting and Installing Effective Manufacturing and Supply Chain Application Systems, by Christopher D. Gray, 2008. Trafford Publishing. To order

The Right Choice provides a comprehensive discussion of the issues involved in determining which software programs will best meet your company's needs. Explains how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to costly delays and determine which functions in the software are missing, need to be modified or should be eliminated, including:

How to recognize the myths about enterprise application software.
The elements of a successful system.
How to define systems requirements.
How to evaluate software quickly and objectively.
How to negotiate a software contract.
Making the system work from a technical perspective

Prequel to a Series on Manufacturing Software Standards.

MRP II Standard System, A Handbook for Manufacturing Software Survival, by Christopher D. Gray and Darryl V. Landvater, 1989. John Wiley and Sons, Publishers.

Software has the potential to cause the greatest delay in implementing MRP II. The MRP II Standard System solves two problems with software:

1. Understanding how the normal functions of MRP II work.

2.Evaluating software functionality, regardless of whether the software is new or an existing homegrown system.

The Standard System helps take the mystery out of manufacturing software and offers a logical step-by-step explanation of required system functions. It details the logic of MRP, sales and operations planning, master production scheduling, demand management, the bill of material, inventory and scheduled receipts subsystems, plant scheduling and dispatching, capacity requirements planning. purchasing, DRP, financial planning interfaces, simulation, and performance measurements.

This recognized industry standard has been used by hundreds of manufacturers to solve their software problems. The accompanying workbook guides you through the points in the MRP II Standard System to help you evaluate step-by-step the modifications necessary to make MRP II work in your company.

Click here for a summary checklist of functions covered by the MRP II Standard System.

MRP II Standard System Workbook by Christopher D. Gray and Darryl V. Landvater, 1989. John Wiley and Sons, Publishers.

Companion to the MRP II Standard System