Evaluation of alternative advanced planning systems as a participatory process: investigation into a case study

The study presented in the article concerns the introduction of an advanced planning system (APS) in a medium-sized manufacturing company, a decision which has significant effects on production planning and control activities and on order management. In order to assure the technical validity of the new system and the feasibility of the required changes to routine operations, a specific process of analysis and evaluation was established that involved representatives of the affected departments. The case study is investigated with particular reference to the evaluation stage of the possible APS solutions. The pivotal role of such participatory process and its effectual contribution to the final decision are highlighted and discussed.