CASE FLASHY FLASHERS, INC. Flashy Flashers is a medium-sized firm employing 900 persons and 125 managerial and administrative personnel. The firm produces a line of automotive electrical components It supplies about 95 auto parts stores and Moonbird Silverstreak car dealers in its region. Johnny Bennett, who serves as the president, founded the company by producing cable assemblies in his garage. By working hard, delivering consistent product quality, and by providing good customer service, he expanded his business to produce a variety of electrical components. Bennett's commitment to customer service is so strong that his company motto, Love Thy Customers as Thyself, is etched on a big cast-iron plaque under his giant oil portrait in the building's front lobby The company's two most profitable products are the automotive front sidelamp and the headlamp. With the rising popularity of Eurosport sedans, such as the Moonbird Silverstreak, Flashy Flashers has enjoyed substantial demand for these two lamp items Last year, Kathryn Marley, the vice president of operations and supply chain management, approved the installation of a new MRP system It is a first important step toward the eventual goal of a full-fledged ERP system. Marley worked closely with the task force that was created to bring MRP online She frequently attended the training sessions for selected employees, emphasizing how MRP should help Flashy Flashers secure a better competitive edge A year later, the MRP system is working fairly well However, Marley believes that there is always a better way and seeks to continually improve the company's processes To get a better sense for potential mprovements, she met with the production and inventory control manager, the shop supervisor, and the purchasing manager Here are some of their observations Production and Inventory Control Manager Inventory records and BOM files are accurate and well maintained Inventory transactions are faithfully made when inventory is replenished or removed from the stockroom so that current on-hand batances are credible. There is an MRP explosion each week, which gives the company the new MRP It provides information that helps identify when new orders need to be launched Information can also be searched help identify which scheduled receipts need to be expedited and which ones can be delayed by assigning them a later due date thereby making room for more urgent jobs