More and more tools and systems are moving from the mainframe and the minicomputer platforms to the microcomputer. There are several reasons for this transition: increasing power of the microcomputer relative to the mini and mainframe; user familiarity; decreasing costs of computer power at micro level; and the availability of new and somewhat unique packages and approaches.

Spreadsheet MRP, the subject of this month's review, is one of those new and somewhat unique packages. It is not a pure MRP package. Rather, it is designed to operate within a spreadsheet such as Lotus 1-2-3, or Microsoft Excel, where it can be used to do quick and limited what-if analysis and various other MRP-related tasks. Guest reviewer Monica J. Fox points out that this package can be a valuable tool when used in the right way. - Steven A. Melnyk

Spreadsheet MRP is a collection of seven spreadsheet templates that perform a variety of production planning tasks, including bill of material creation, purchase requirements planning, job scheduling and job cost calculation.

It was designed to meet the scheduling needs of small companies with spreadsheet experience and limited resources. Some companies may use it as a stop-gap system while installing a more full-featured MRP system.

The Documentation is generally well written and easy to use. It clearly explains the system requirements and how to load the software. It does, however, assume that you are either familiar with spreadsheets or have a manual that tells you how to work with the files and manipulate spreadsheet data. Each template is explained in detail, including explanations of all the macros.

The documentation also contains two tutorials. The first covers the use of the MRP template; the second guides the user through each of the seven templates, including entering and processing data.

For the experienced spreadsheet user, Spreadsheet MRP will be easy to load and relatively easy to navigate through since it uses all standard spreadsheet conventions and macros. The documentation suggests that new spreadsheet users first learn to use a standard spreadsheet before going onto Spreadsheet MRP. Spreadsheet skills are key to using this software successfully.

Spreadsheet MRP is a good way to get some basic production and inventory planning information. While it is not a complete, integrated system like many on the market, the output is generally reliable and useful. It would provide the most benefit to small organizations with relatively few end items, or in a make-to-order environment where on-hand inventories are minimal.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a system like this, is that it is an inexpensive introduction to the concept of MRP. It requires the user to organize bills of material, inventory records and planning information such as safety stocks, lead times, and component costs. This knowledge should provide companies with a good foundation so as they grow and have more resources, they can easily adapt to larger and more comprehensive systems.