We have been using EPDM for about 4 years now.  We have the process down pretty well.  The issue we keep running into is when we have a change that takes a long time to implement.  Things such as lots of stock to use up, or the part takes 6 months to make, so on, so forth.  From an engineering standpoint we request a change, make the change, approve the change and release the drawing.  Now it is in the hands of the ERP/MRP specialists to handle the business side of the change.  Lets' say we have a 4 month supply of Part A and we need to use it up before we can switch to Part B.  The drawing is released so the engineering is done but they have to hold the change until Part A is gone.

Now customer service comes along with a problem that needs to be fixed right away so the engineer requests another change to remove Part C and replace it with better part D.  The drawing is approved and all is right in the Universe.  But wait.  ERP/MRP is still sitting on the previous revision waiting for a use up to complete.  They cannot implement your new change until the other change is done.  What now?

I have searched high and low but have not found any guidance on how to effectively work around this.  Let me know what you think or how your company handles things like this.

Thanks,

Steve