Improvement of material requirements planning processes by using problem solving technique: A case in the automotive sector

In today?s competitive markets, firms have to change their products, production systems, processes and themselves continuously in order to survive. By changing and improving these factors, cost, time and effort savings are obtained. The aim of this study is to improve material requirements planning processes of a firm in an automotive industry by using Problem Solving Technique. In the direction of this aim, packaging material requirements planning procedure was improved by passing from classic consumption based planning to requirement planning. Process improvement, Pagos database and specifications, material requirements planning and SAP R/3 were observed in the research stage. At the same time, actual material planning processes and problem of the firm were examined in SAP - Pagos pool. After researching these main subjects, the most convenient improvement type, flow diagram and project management tool that would minimize labor were determined. Pagos database that packaging bill of materials stored was actualized and synchronized with SAP R/3 MM module. By following project management tool MS Project, MRP processes of packaging were improved.