All managers should be required to add this book to their working bookshelves. It is not a detailed “how to” concerning the mechanics of MRP II, but that is not the author’s intention. It is a “why do” treatise that aids in the development of probing queries concerning the use of MRP II in an organization. The writing style, which omits detailed technical jargon and incorporates easy-to-understand examples, makes it appropriate reading for a broad audience. This audience should include both novice and long-time managers. It can serve as a starting point for the novice, and as a vehicle to eliminate tunnel vision for the experienced manager.

Some of the book’s best features are candid comments about some bogus controversies concerning JIT and  MRP II;  many summarized listings of causes of problems and suggested solutions; many suggested questions and potential responses to reduce errors of omission in software vendor-client communication; and realistic examples that incorporate excerpts from typical computer printouts. The foreword by Dave Garwood and the preface by the author capture the essence of this book: “It provides…clear direction on how to use the information generated by a good  MRP II  system…applying the power of MRP II to the bottom line…[and] put[ting] the emphasis back where it should have always been--on solving business problems.”

If you want a book that will simply sit on the bookcase, this work is not for you. This book will soon show signs of aging as you often thumb through the pages and as you share it with others in your organization.