The term production can be defined as transformation of tangible and intangible inputs into goods or services. It can be explained elaborately as the transformation or conversion of a set of inputs, such as raw materials, labor, knowledge, into one or more outputs such as tables, cars, banking services.

Before explaining the production system, it is more convenient to explain what the system is. The system is a collection of interacting, interrelated or interdependent elements or components that are organized for a common purpose. Organizations can be seen as systems that procure and transform inputs into outputs which are subsequently discharged into their external environment. The cycle of inputs, transformation and outputs must be maintained if an organization is to exist over time. This is to say, an organization’s survival heavily depends on its capability of producing some output that can be exchanged for the energy (feedback) necessary to obtain new inputs and also to maintain itself in operating order. It is generally emphasized that all companies are to some degree open systems as opposed to closed systems. That is, a typical company (system) depends on other systems for its inputs; and thus, it cannot exist in isolation. Whereas, closed systems do not depend on other systems for its inputs (Bedeian, 1993:52). Therefore, it can be said that the system is composed of inputs, process, outputs and feedback. Transformation or conversion of set of inputs into one or more outputs can be description of organizations as production systems.

Manufacturing systems management (MSM) here is defined as a functional domain that involves all of the activities, such as design, implementation, operations and monitoring, etc., that are needed to regulate and optimise a manufacturing system as it progresses through its life cycle.

Hard technology and soft technology are the two main categories of the technology.

Hard technology represents a variety of tasks in the creation and delivery of goods and services performed by the equipment and devices. Computers, computer chips and microprocessors, communication lines, sensors, robots are some examples for the hard technology.

Soft technology is the application of the Internet, computer software, and information systems to provide data, information, and analysis and to facilitate the accomplishment of creating and delivering goods and services. Database systems, artificial intelligence programs, and voice-recognition softwares are some examples for the soft technology.

1. An IOS focuses on the main problem structure and processes of a specific industry such as home insurance, airlines or automobile manufacturers. 2. An IOS addresses important decisions that are necessary to serve the customer in the best possible way such as customer relationship management systems focus on building long-term relationships with loyal customers to increase satisfaction and profits. 3. An IOS improves decision making within the organization by including the collection, storage, analysis and dissemination of data and information via information technology. Data warehouses and data mining typically are the integral parts of an IOS. 4. An IOS has the capability of making key decisions in a synchronous and timely way in every point throughout the value chain.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems provide the integration of the company internally and externally in order to meet the needs and requirements of the customers and in this way the company has a competitive advantage in the market.

Material Requirements Planning (MRP): Material requirements planning (MRP) is an inventory management system which is planned to help companies in scheduling and placing orders for items of dependent demand.

Closed Loop Material Requirements Planning (MRP-CL): The traditional MRP benefits lots of new functions from MRP-CL. By containing tools for analyzing priorities and production capabilities, it provides support for both planning and execution.

Manufacturing Resource Planning is a method providing effective planning of all resources of a manufacturing company. Preferably MRP II addresses operational planning in units, financial planning in dollars and has simulation capabilities to respond to “what-if” type of questions. Many interrelated functions are included in this system such as, business planning, sales and operations planning, production planning, execution support systems for capacities and materials. Financial reports, business plan, the purchases ratio, transportation budget and inventory in dollars are integrated with the result of these systems.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Most of the business processes display a wider and more effective image with stronger financial integration by the representation of ERP. Some of the important goals of ERP are to increase customer service quality, productivity, cost reduction and to provide business plans and resources planification

Phase I - Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

Phase II - Closed Loop Material Requirements Planning (MRP-CL)

Phase III – Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II)

Phase IV - Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Manufacturing, distribution, sales, accounting, and human resource applications are the main ERP modules integrated.

A successful supply chain management strategy is based on accurate order processsing, just-in-time inventory management, and timely order fulfillment.

CRM is a designed process to collect data related to customers, to get features of customers, and to apply those qualities in activities.

Analytical CRM uses a customer data warehouse and tools to analyse customer data collected from the firms.

A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is system of automated parts and machines arranged in a sequence and connected by an automated material handling system and controlled by a computer system.

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is the usage of computer-controlled machineries and automation systems in manufacturing products.

CIM is the total integration of design, manufacture, and delivery through the use of computer technology.

The various processes involved in a CIM are listed as follows: • Computer-aided design • Prototype manufacture • Determining the efficient method for manufacturing by calculating the costs and considering the production methods, volume of products, storage and distribution • Ordering of the necessary materials needed for the manufacturing process • Computer-aided manufacturing of the products with the help of computer numerical controllers • Quality controls at each phase of the development. • Product assembly with the help of robots • Quality check and automated storage • Automatic distribution of products from the storage areas to awaiting lorries/trucks • Automatic updating of logs, financial data and bills in the computer system (https:// www.techopedia.com/definition/30965/ computer-integrated-manufacturing-cim)

The major components of CIM are as follows: • Data storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation mechanisms • Real-time sensors for sensing the current state and for modifying processes • Data processing algorithms (https:// www.techopedia.com/definition/30965/ computer-integrated-manufacturing-cim)

E-manufacturing integrates information and decision making among data flow, information flow and cash flow. It is a business strategy and a core competency for companies to compete in this highly competitive markets.

The main functions and objectives of e-manufacturing are as follows: • Providing a transparent, seamless and automated information exchange process to enable an only handle information once environment. • Improving the usage of plant floor assets using a holistic approach with the tools of predictive maintenance techniques. • Connecting entire SCM operation with asset optimization. • Presenting customer services by the predictive intelligence methods and tether-free technologies. (Lee, 2003:502).