Demand-supply chain management: systems implications in an SME packaging business in the UK

This article examines the introduction of new computer software in a small packaging company (Contrapak Ltd) in the UK and how the need to manage demand as well as supply radically affected project scope. The initial project focus was packaging line scheduling and associated human resources planning. However, as the project progressed, it became clear that managing both demand and supply chains simultaneously was essential to improving efficiencies and ensuring planning could respond effectively to demand. This led to a significant redefinition of project scope and the procurement and implementation of a full Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. [Received 31 October 2010; Revised 25 April 2011; Accepted 14 July 2011