WHOSE SYSTEM IS IT, ANYWAY?

摘要

Purchasing, inventory management, advanced scheduling, whatever―the type of system doesn't really matter. It's been the same old question since the beginning of computer systems: Whose system is it, anyway? I have been to APICS meetings and have heard discussions of information services (IS) people inflicting another of their software systems upon end users who are not sold on the idea. The promise of miraculously resolving all business problems seems to justify the action. But questions run through my head. How can the software system be a success if the end user is convinced it will be a hardship? How can IS people possibly know what the end users really need? How can top management determine what the best software system is without getting input from both the end users and IS? Is there any way to resolve these age-old conflicts? One thing is certain―both end users and IS must have an effective working relationship if they intend to implement their company objectives. How can this be accomplished?