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Based on detailed analysis of seven case studies, involving consideration of approximately 300 parameters and face to face interviews with senior managers, identifies key characteristics which should be taken into account during the selection and effective implementation of different types of manufacturing control systems in individual manufacturing environments. These key characteristics help identify the need for particular functions of manufacturing control systems, as well as the impact on effective implementation and operation. They are grouped under the headings of complexity, uncertainty and flexibility. Concludes with a discussion of a structured approach which may be used to take account of key characteristics during the selection of a manufacturing control system.

This paper describes the development and application of a framework to aid small manufacturing companies in the selection, improvement and implementation of production planning and control systems. The framework has been validated in ten small manufacturing companies in the UK, and has enabled one company to successfully select and implement a new computerised production planning and control system over a period of three years. The other nine case studies highlight the ability of the framework to focus on smaller, incremental improvements in production planning and control performance. The empirical research also concludes that a lack of human resources to devote to improvements and implementations is the main difference between large and small companies when undertaking such exercises. Recommendations for future work on the framework are presented, and the usefulness of the framework for managers in small manufacturing companies, consultants and academic researchers is discussed.