Special machine manufacturer HAHN was established fifteen years ago as a conceptual and experimental workshop. Since then, it has developed into a medium-sized company with multiple projects and international locations. To meet the growing needs for planning and control processes, Hahn has operated an ERP system designed specifically for the needs of make-to-order manufacturers since 2005.

The requirements placed on IT systems by make-to-order manufacturers are fundamentally different from those associated with series manufacturing. Whereas series manufacturers are already in possession of a full set of BOMs and routings for detailed planning at the start of production, make-to-order manufacturing commences long before the design process is even complete. Unlike in standard production, make-to-order manufacturers cannot complete design, procurement and production in separate, successive phases.

Instead, the assemblies that have already been developed are handed over directly to those responsible for production so that they can initiate the corresponding manufacturing processes. This approach gives rise to “growing BOMs” that expand during the course of every project for special machine manufacturing and calls for flexible IT systems for Production Planning and Control (PPC) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). …

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