Many colleges of engineering and business have overview courses that try to expose students to critical aspects of manufacturing products and providing services. The contents and organization of this book make it a good supplemental resource for such a course.

It is the second edition of a book originally published in 1991 [1]. Changes in this edition improve it both as a daily operational tool and as an academic reference.

Luber begins by figuratively holding a mirror in front of the reader. He covers points that are important to both believers and nonbelievers in the contributions of information systems. Early on, he addresses most of the well-known preconceived notions and common misconceptions relating to manufacturing resources planning (MRP II). Luber does not specifically cite the problems associated with naming a broadly inclusive information system “MRP II” shortly after businesses became familiar with a restricted information system called MRP (Material Requirements Planning). Luber’s early identification of his preferred term, “integrated enterprise information system,” lays the groundwork for his stress on the inclusive nature of the required information system.

Anyone interested in learning about the use of an information system as a tool for solving problems in operations management should read this book. It helps people whose orientation is toward management information systems (MIS) to gain a better appreciation of the requirements in production operations management (POM), and helps people whose orientation is toward POM to appreciate the assistance that can be provided by MIS. It helps everyone appreciate the complex interactions among all parts of an organization that must be integrated to have an effective and efficient management information system in the production environment.

Each chapter begins with a short scenario describing a major problem encountered in business operations. Each chapter ends with a table that summarizes possible causes of the problem and workable solutions for each problem. In between are detailed discussions of each cause and potential solution. The reader’s understanding of both the production environment and the information environment is enhanced by easy-to-comprehend examples. In many cases, the author uses examples to illustrate that correct actions are often counterintuitive. Potential anomalies are highlighted in sections entitled “Caveats.”

Four appendices strengthen the book for potential academic use. The first, “A Multiplant MRP II Primer,” illustrates updates from the first edition. Luber continues to stress that the first step by companies should be to develop a clear understanding of the complexity of their multiplant environment prior to defining their business requirements. He then demonstrates different levels of complexity and potential contributions of MRP II by discussing three example companies. Appendix B, “MRP II: The New Generation,” describes major new features of improved software. The author then makes predictions about the MRP II software industry and suggestions about how vendors might differentiate themselves. Appendix C, “The Elements of an MRP II System,” is a short primer on the priorities of elements of the system. Appendix D, “MRP II Implementation Strategies,” discusses advantages and disadvantages of the different strategies.

MRP II is not a magic potion that will resolve problems for incompetent managers. Neither is it an anchor that will drag competent managers into the abyss. This book describes how competent operations should work, what it is possible to achieve with MRP II, and what MRP II cannot do. It should be in the hands (and not on the shelf) of people who are trying to improve manufacturing operations.

The book’s style and organization facilitate its use as a working reference in day-to-day operations. The book is a useful tool for learning critical processes involved in POM; evaluating proposed MIS designed as an aid for POM; evaluating existing MIS; and designing home-grown MIS through the use of checklists to insure inclusion of critical modules and functions.