Computer Resources Available
The host computer mainframe is located at corporate
headquarters with interactive, remote job-entry terminals
at each branch location. In general, data entry occurs
at the source and is transmitted to an integrated
database maintained on the host computer. Data transmission
is made between the branch offices and the host
computer over leased telephone lines. The software allows
flexibility for managing user access and editing
data input.
Procedures for Purchasing Raw Materials
Production orders and appropriate bills of materials are
generated by the host computer at corporate headquarters.
Based on these bills of materials, purchase orders for
raw materials are generated by the centralized purchasing
function and mailed directly to the vendors. Each purchase
order instructs the vendor to ship the materials directly
to the appropriate manufacturing plant. Assuming
that the necessary purchase orders have been issued, the
manufacturing plants proceed with the production orders
received from corporate headquarters.