Managing organizational DSS development in small manufacturing enterprise

A number of Hong Kong manufacturing companies have moved their production to the People’s Republic of China while retaining their supporting functions (such as marketing, distribution, etc.) in Hong Kong. As a consequence, their mode of operation has become more complex and demands better production planning and control (PPC). One solution is to use an information system in which all factory resources are integrated within a single framework for PPC. The main instrument of this strategy is an Organizational DSS (ODSS). This paper presents a case study of development and adoption of an ODSS in a small manufacturing enterprise. Analysis of the findings highlights the cultural as well as organizational underpinnings and the need for effective intervention before and throughout the computerization. The implementation strategies are described, with emphasis on prerequisite infrastructural developments, showing how they provide opportunities and constraints.