56325941-A-Case-Study-on-MIS

ANALYZING MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS OF THE JAMUNA FERTILIZER COMPANY LIMITED: A

CASE STUDY

Md. Mamunur Rashid**Management Counsellor, Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), Dhaka.

E-mail:[email protected]

Abstract: Through this study I have endeavored to emphasize on the need to analyze the management information systems (MIS) in Jamuna Fertilizer Company Limited (JFCL) especially to identify the potential areas where the MIS could be applied and effective use of MIS in the company. Computers are one component of a management information system (MIS) or computer information system (CIS). MIS or CIS consists of five related components: hardware, software, people, procedure, and collections of data. The term (IT) information technology represents the various types of hardware and software used in information systems, including computers and networking equipments. According to the above explanation of MIS/CIS/IT, there is no business solving networking equipments. So, there is no real application of MIS in JFCL. In this paper, daily report of production and other data are listed.

Key Words:

1.Introduction1.1Background of the Study

The Jamuna Fertilizer Company Limited (JFCL) is an enterprise of Bangladesh Chemical

Industries Corporation (BCIC). JFCL has been established in 1991 to facilitate the

agriculture growth of Bangladesh through producing granular urea. JFCL is situated on

the bank of the river Jamuna in the district of Jamalpur. Its urea production capacity is

1700 metric ton per day (MTPD) designed by SNAMPROGETTI and Ammonia is 1078

MTPD designed by HALDORTOPSOE of Denmark and constructed by Mitsubishi

Heavy Industries Limited (MHI) of Japan. Bangladesh is an agrarian economy. In order

to meet the increasing demand of food grain in the country, timely supply of fertilizer is

one of the main inputs to agricultural sector. It is an essential prerequisite to increase food

production. Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) is one of the biggest

industrial organizations in the public sector under Ministry of Industries, Government of

the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh. The head office of BCIC is primarily concerned

with the setting of objectives, approval of budget, monitoring of actual performance and

rendering expertise assistance. The JFCL management has been delegated with required

administrative, technical, commercial and financial authority to operate efficiently and

dynamically. In the plant of JFCL, every moment data is generated by reformers, boilers,

heat exchangers, power generation units both steam turbine generator (STG) and gas

turbine generator (GTG), ion-exchangers, coolers, HP stripper, urea reactor, turbines,

compressors, pumps, agitators, fans, blowers in the running plant. Besides these, sales,

accounts, finance, production, maintenance, purchase, store, personnel, HRD, inspection,

suppliers and customers also generates data. Now, there is no organized MIS to collect

data to take better decision. For this reason, the chairman of BCIC advised to the

management of JFCL to implement MIS in this factory within short period. Today

developed industrial countries increased the productivity by applying modern MIS. The

results of this study may facilitate in better decision for increasing productivity of the

company.

1.2 Statement of the Problems

Without MIS, JFCL has been facing problems in many areas such as to procure spare

parts from local and foreign, difficult the store management, problem in preventive

maintenance, problem in human resources development, problems in medical center

management and finance control etc. Everyday data are generated from plant, store,

accounts, sales, production, quality control and maintenance purpose, which are not

properly processed for quality decision. But many times that data is needed to take

decision by the management. Management cannot collect the data quickly and take

decision in proper time. For this reason company is badly affected. Without MIS,

information of the company is suppressed. So, the management cannot take better policy,

planning and strategy for the interest of the company. Here management cannot follow

transparency of the company’s norms, rules and guides. Also, an MIS infrastructure

problem remains in JFCL. There is lack of commitment of political and managed to

implement MIS. There is a lack of motivation and shortage of skill manpower to

implement MIS in JFCL. Management cannot take proper decision without MIS. So, the

company is facing the problem related with technical, financing, procurement and HRD.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

Objectives of the study are to:

i. Find the nature of information management systems of the company.

ii. Find the components of existing information systems of the company.

iii. Find out the problems of existing information systems.

iv. Identify the information sources office business unit of the company.

v. Prepare recommendation for organizing the MIS of JFCL.

1.4 Rational of The Study

There are 500 (five hundred) chemical industries corporations in Asia. BCIC is one of

them. It is undoubtedly our nation’s pride. In this context, it may be noted here that

BCIC started its functioning from 1st July, 1976. At that time BCIC has 88 enterprises

under its management but at present BCIC has 11 enterprises under its control. It means

that the BCIC has been becoming smaller and smaller day-by-day for the disinvestments

policy of the government. BCIC has taken decision to implement MIS in the fertilizer

industry to increase productivity, performance and survive for existenance.

2.0 CONCEPTS OF MIS

A management information system (MIS) or computer information system (CIS) consists

of five related components: hardware, software, people, procedure and collection of data.

The goal of MIS is to enable managers to make better decisions can providing quality

information. MIS can be the foundation of a business but it can also be expensive. It is

important that the information system be designed and organized to match the needs of

the firm. Designing and creating effective information system is a complex task and

several techniques have been developed to analyze organizations and build information

systems. Common techniques include the system development life cycle, prototyping and

end-user development. Business managers meet to understand the strengths and

limitations of one various methodologies to ensure that companies get an information

system that meets their needs.The terms information technologies (IT) represents the

various types of hardware and software used in an information system including

computers and networking equipment. The physical equipment used in computing is

called hardware. The set of instruction that controls the hardware is known as software.

2.1 Applications of MIS

MIS consist of hardware, software, people, procedures and collections of data. Their

components work together to provide information and help managers run the firm, solve

problem and make decision. One of the most important concepts in MIS is the importance

of sharing data. Computer systems that are designed to be used by many people of the

same time are more complex than single user systems. MIS can help team work better

with tools designed to integrate data across and organization. Managers need to know

how to use a variety of tools from data sharing over networks, to dynamic linking, to

groupware products.

3.0 Present Facilities and Limitations of MIS in JFCL

There are twenty-one computers in JFCL on October 1,2010: Present using place &

statement of computers and printers in JFCL is following:

Sl. No. Present Using Place Present Status computers & Printers in JFCL

Remarks

Computer Printer1. MD’s Office 1 12. Operation Division 1 13 Ammonia Plant Section 14 Technical Division 1 15 Instrument Section 16 MTS Division 1 17 Admin Division 1 18 Account Division 1 19 Account Section 1 110 Computer Section 3 111 Commercial Division 1 112 Purchase Section 113 MPIC Division 1 114 Computer Cell 3 115 Civil Division 116 College 2 1 Donated

By GOB. Total 21 12

Usually the computers of divisional Heads are using type & to make reporting, Three

Computers of Engineering building computer lab are using for typing & reporting too.

Without this, these three computers are used for training purpose. The computer of

Managing Director’s office is used for official work, reporting, different meeting minutes

and others. Besides, salary statement of workers, staffs & officers, monthly finance

statements, MIS reports and the computers of Account and Finance division prepare store

accounts. In view of working area, technical data preservation, spare parts, others

inventory purchase & control data of process parameter preservation and its effects are

needed to analysis. Ordinary calculators do these works. So, these are time consuming &

difficult. Though there is no system of data preservation, effective system of data

analyses. Computer is essential to control maintenance, planning, scheduling and other

activities. Without this, in the case of purchase of spare parts of equipment & control,

often the purchase and control of parts are not properly done in order to lack of MIS. In

this case, to implement computer networking system among every division and sections

to increase the skill & know how of manpower of the factory, administration division is

needed to computerization. Bio-data, training & other data of Human resources can be

controlled in proper way by computer. There is no alternative way without computer.

Now, no modern system is existed in the medical center of JFCL to purchase medicine,

control medicine & preservation history of disease of manpower. Besides these, it is

needed modernization of construction department to control proper management &

implementation. Now, two computers are introduced in students of JFCL School &

college to be familiar with modern education gateway, through computer daily activities

of school & college is done to develop. More 44 (Forty-four) computers are needed to all

section & departments to introduce computerization in JFCL.

3.1 Management Policy of JFCL for MIS

The management of JFCL is under implementation to install computer in all business unit

of JFCL. JFCL is planning to setup server in computer system department of JFCL with

local area network (LAN) facilities. JFCL likes to compete the national and global

challenge in business to survive for existenance. JFCL implements MIS system associates

with BCIC head office’s computer department for technical support. For these reasons,

JFCL has provided primarily 7 (seven) lacs taka budget provision and introduce basic

computer training program in house.

3.2 Observation of Present Computerization Condition of JFCL

During the visit of JFCL June 09,2002, the honorable Chairman of BCIC ordered the

JFCL authority to implement computerization systems every business unit of JFCL for

proper maintenance, operation and quality control, all technical data preservation, all

equipments and machineries and others inventory information, information of process

parameter & it's result analysis. So, we studied in every working area of JFCL. I

examined the demand of computer in various divisions & sections of JFCL. I studied

BCIC and JFCL to cover under computer networking system. I recommended a

guideline to purchase computer, printer & other necessary related spare parts. Now, the

world is global. To compete the modern world JFCL needs to communicate BCIC as

well as the whole world through Internet. Thus, the communication system of JFCL will

be speedy convenient & available for all Internet connection the Internet connection of

the office of Managing Director of JFCL is now dead. So, JFCL cannot communicate

properly with process licensors & vendors of JFCL. Inter sectional and divisional

information of JFCL is not sufficient to communicate instaneously for proper decision. It

is difficult to purchase spare parts or other necessary part of equipments due to lack

of proper communication system. The said spare parts are not procured properly due

to absence of proper supervision. So, JFCL cannot face the need of factory in proper

time. A few person of JFCL knows about computer. Training system is needed to gain

necessary advantage of computer.

4.0 Name of Business unit where information is generated in JFCL.

The name of business unit where information is generated in JFCL. Example of

information of some business units and areas i.e. production, inspection, equipment

design, daily technical meeting minutes etc. The top executive officer of JFCL is

Managing Director. Under Managing Director there are nine general managers. Various

information is formed in every business unit in JFCL. There are about 50 (fifty)

sections/subsections under nine general managers. And some sections consist of each

division. The names of division and sections i.e. business unit are following:

1. Office of the Managing Director

2.Office of the General Manager Administration:

a) Personnel Administration

b) Labor Section

c) Labor Welfare

d) School and College

e) Estate section

f) Transport section

g) CBA

h) Requirement Section

i) Common Service Section

3.Office of the Chief Medical Officer: Medical Centre.

4.Office of the General Manager (Accounts and Finance):

a) General Accounts

b) Cost & Budget

c) Pay & Bill

d) Insurance, Tax and Audit

e) Cash & Bank

f) Store Accounts

g) Computer Section

5. Office of the General Manager Commercial

a. Local Purchase

b. Foreign Purchase

c. Sales

6.Office of the General Manager MPIC

a. General/Chemical Stores

b. Spares Parts Store

c. Material Planning and Inventory Control (MPIC).

7.Office of the General Manager Technical

a. Quality Control

b. Fire & Safety

c. Process Engineering and Inspection

d. Research and Development

e. Technical documentation:

i. Technical Services & MIS

ii. Technical Library

iii. Photocopy and Cyclostyle

iv. Book Binding

v. Training

vi. Computer Lab.

8. Office of the Chief Engineer MTS, Gr-2

a. Machinery Maintenance

b. Plant Maintenance

c. Electrical Maintenance

d. Instrument Maintenance

e. Central Workshop

f. Solid Handling System Maintenance

9. Office of the Chief Engineer Construction, Gr-2

a. Civil (Housing)

b. Civil (Factory)

10. Office of the General Manager Operation

a. Urea Plant

b. Ammonia Plant

c. Utility Plant

d. Bagging Plant.

4.1 Example of information in JFCL

JFCL is producing urea continuously. There are shifts in 24 hrs. There are four plants-

urea plants, ammonia plant, utility plant and bagging plant. There are four individual

groups of people to operate these four plants. After each 8 hrs, every shift-in-charge

hands over his duty. In time of duty hand over every shift in charge writes report about

plant’s condition, performance, process parameter in shift report book. Daily Production

and Plant Status Report (Prepared at 10 - 00 hrs. On 08.11.03) of JFCL is listed below.

4.1.1.0 Production: (Date & Period: 5 a.m. on 07.11.09 To 5 a.m. on 08.11.10)

ProductUnit Last 24 hrs

ProductionMonth’s cumulative

Current year’s Cumulative

Present stock at site

Ammonia MT 947 6748 97659 3642Urea MT 1700 11566 172423 67067.69Demin. MT 8340 57973 968122 2490Nitrogen ( NM3 - 3263 308961 18675Steam MT 8240 57508 928206 -Electric MWH 196.9 1375.9 24285.75 -

4.1.2.0 Consumption: (Date & Period same as Art. -1.0 above).

ProductUnit Last 24 hrs

ConsumptionMonth’s cumulative

Current year’s Cumulative

Stock position of UF-85/PF

Ammonia MT 986 6708 100002PF = 107 M.T.

UF = Nil

NG (Titas meter)

MCF 43643 305269 4936206

UF-85/PF MT - - -Demin. Water

M3 8465 58109 967635

Nitrogen (N2)

NM3 225 1012 314086

4.1.2.1 Usage ratio achieved:

N.G./Ton of Urea: Design : 23.17 M S C F / M T , Actual : 25.7 M S C F / M T

NH3/Ton of Urea : Design : 0.575 , Actual : 0.58

4.1.3.0 Plant operating status (at 08 - 30 hrs. on 08.11.03 )

4.1.3.1 Power Plant :

STG-1Load

STG-2Load

GTG-1Load

GTG-2Load

GTG-3Load

DEGLoad

PDBLoad

24hrs. Power Consumption

3.9 4.0 - - - - 0.39 MW

204.78 MWH

Plant Condition (Reason, if running at low capacity) : - N o r m a l .

4 . 1 . 3 . 2 U t i l i t y :Boiler Load : A- 45 ( 69 %), B- 42 (64 %), C- 44 (67 %), Total= 131 T/hr. Press : 105 Kg/Cm2 G.

Samplingpoint

Daily report on Water condition

pHConductivityµS/cm

Total Hardness(PPM)

Turbidity(PPM)

SilicaCorrosion inhibitor (PPM)

Intake water 7.6 208 110 66 - -

Ammonia C/W

8.5 - - 1.1 - 6.6

Urea C/W 8.3 - - 1.2 - 7.30

Demin Water

7.5 0.50 - - 0.004 -

Plant Condition (Reason, if running at low capacity) : N o r m a l .

4.1.3.3 Ammonia Plant

Ammonia Plant Load (%) : Front end : 100 , Rear end : 100

Steam/carbon ratio : Design : 3.3 , Actual : 3.39

Iron in Benfield Solution : Design : <100 , Actual :

54.0 PPM.

Plant Condition (Reason, if running at low capacity) : Steam supper heater (AC-

E-02) Skin temperature high. Steam purging continuing.

4.1.3.4 Urea Plant

Urea Plant Load (%) : 100 , Granulation/Prilling Load (%) : 100

Plant Condition (Reason, if running at low capacity): N o r m a l . 4.1.3.5 Finished Product Handling Plant

No. of bagging line in operation : 3 (Three ) , out of 6 ( Six)

Urea bagged duringlast 24 Hrs

Months

cumulative

Years cumulative Bagged urea stock position at site

1929 11274 176655.35 24811.40

Plant Condition (Reason, if running at low capacity) : N o r m a l

4.1.4.0 Sales

Bagged Urea delivery : 1201 M.T.

D.O. in hand for the day : 2957 M.T.

Over-all delivery situation : N o r m a l .

4.1.5.0 Maintenance Activities

4.1.5.1 Major Maintenance activities in hand : Hydrolizer feed pump (UC-P-01A)

under maint. ( M/M)

4.1.5.2 Maintenance Problem, affecting operation (if any) :

4.1.6.0 General information

4.1.6.1 Weather : Day Condition : Shiny , Humidity: 91%

Ambient Temp : 31 o C , Max : 20 o C min

4.2 Author’s Activities in JFCL.

There are six sections in Maintenance and Technical Services (MTS) division in JFCL of

BCIC. Those are- Electrical, Instrument, Plant, Machinery, Central Workshop and Solid

Handling System maintenance Section. I have served as an Assistant Engineer

(Mechanical) since May31, 1997 February15, 2004 in four sections which are- Plant,

Machinery, Central Workshop and Solid Handling System maintenance Section among

those six sections. During this period I have gathered many information through above

sections. So, in this report, I have expressed my Personal, Engineering, Management and

Economics, Environment, health and safety related activities. After joining JFCL of

BCIC, I have served as an Assistant Engineer (Mechanical) with the responsibility of

supervision of plant operation, plant maintenance, plant monitoring and performance

evaluation in the following area: MTS department consists of the six sections. These are:

1) Plant Maintenance, 2) Machinery Maintenance, 3) Electrical Maintenance, 4)

Mechanical Central Workshop, 5) Instrument Maintenance & 6) Solid Handling System

Maintenance. Above these I have worked in the following sections: (a.) Plant

Maintenance, May 31, 97 to August 21,99. (b.) Solid Handling System Maintenance,

August 22,99 to August 17,01. As a X-En (Mechanical) in-charge, April 26,2001 to

August 17,2001 ( c.) Machinery Maintenance, August 18,2001 to November 11, 2002.

(d.) Solid Handling System Maintenance, November 12, 2002 to October14, 2003. (e.)

Central Workshop, October 15, 2003 to February15, 2004. I am supervised directly

activities like-maintenance, operation, trouble-shooting jobs and development jobs of

programmable logic controller (PLC), automatic controller, mechatronics of Jamuna

Fertilizer Company Ltd., Jamalpur. I followed the rules & regulations of the

administration, commercial, purchase, finance, technical systems & process engineering

& maintenance procedures to achieve maximum production at minimum cost with less

maintenance. I gained sufficient knowledge & experience to carryout all factory jobs &

activities for betterment of the factory in the fields of economic, financial, safety &

environmental consideration. I acquired a knowledge and understanding of the progress

of technology through innovation through training, seminar, convention, paper meet and

higher studies. I obtained dynamic leadership, articulate and clear thinking. I am

confident to proceed my duties and responsibilities as well as development of the factory

and for the nation by my acquired knowledge & experience. I carried out the maintenance

job, repairing job, development and modification jobs, administrative job, budgetary

controls, material planning & procurement job. I am capable to run the computer related

jobs. I attached with the optimum safety and easy operation & maintenance of plant and

it’s troubleshooting. I coordinated with operation and other related divisions, scheduling

and preparing of start-up, shut down activities, maintenance, procurement & overhauling

job. As an Assistant Engineer (Mechanical), duties & responsibilities are involved in the

field of Personal, Engineering, Management & Economics, Environment, Health &

Safety

5.0 AREAS WHERE MIS HAS BEEN APPLIED IN JFCL

There is no direct digital control system (DDCS) or distributed control system (DCS) in

JFCL. But in JFCL, programmable logic controller (PLC) has been applied in following

areas:

Sl. No

Location Model Number

Manufacturer Qty. in Use

1 6.6 KV Power distribution

A1NCPU Mitshubishi Electric Corporation

01 (one)

2. 400 V Power distribution, IGG plant, Ammonia & Urea Plant.

A2NCPU Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 03 (Three)

3. Water Intake Plant A3NCPU Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 01 (One)

4. Water Treatment Plant 115U CPU941Simatic S5 PS 3A

Siemens 1 (One)

3 (three)

5. Diesel Generator Simatic S5 100UCPU 100

Siemens 1 (one)

6. Gas Turbine 5/15 processor

Allen Bradley 01 (One)

7. Solid Handling System i. TSX-30j ) TSX-47k) TSX-67l) TSX-69

TelemechanicServices “Licences Logiciels”

07 (Seven)

Total 18

The programmable logic controller is the replacement of conventional sequence system

such as electromechanical relays , timers, counters etc. A PLC is a digitally operating

electronic system like microcomputer. Normally it receives ON or OFF type input signals

through its many input signals through its many input ports. Then it processes the

received signals in accordance with the instructions (software package or the program),

which have been stored into its memory previously. Then it produces ON or OFF type

output signals according the instructions. It uses a programmable memory for the internal

storage of instructions. Some PLC can process the varying signals as well as ON/OFF

signals. There are different methods for developing the PLC program. Ladder diagram

and logic instruction are two most common methods for program development. It is used

for the control of start-up sequence and shut-down sequence; for annunciation of normal

and/or abnormal operation; for taking safety actions; for implementing sequencing,

timing, counting and arithmetic functions of different process of modern industries like

JFCL. Features of PLC are rugged, noise immune equipment, modular plug in

construction, allowing easy replacement or addition of units, Standard input & output

connections and signal levels, Easily understood programming language, Ease of

programming and reprogramming in plant, Capable of communicating with other PLCs,

computers and intelligent devices, Competitive in both cost and space occupied as

compared with relay and solid-state logic systems. If DCS was applied, we would get the

following advantages: The system is speedy & reliable. In case failure of any

microprocessor, part of the process may be out of control , not the whole process. In case

console failure, all field instruments remain alive. It is easy to change the control program

of the process, because program is done

5.1 The Potential areas where the MIS could be applied and effective use of MIS in JFCL

MIS for online monitoring systems will be valuable tools for machine maintenance in

JFCL. These systems will be recognized as a useful means of increasing availability and

reducing operating costs of JFCL. Online monitoring systems will be frequently helped to

fill the gaps that result when cost saving measures lead to personnel downsizing. Early

detection of equipment damage and accurate fault diagnosis will be helped operators to

locate and repair problems fast, thus permitting efficient use of available resources.

Existing monitoring systems are primarily designed for the needs of plants of JFCL,

detecting serious damage well timed to prevent the machine from catastrophic, costly

failures. Thus, new systems concentrate as monitoring the most essential parts and

functions of JFCL to make online monitoring affordable for every compressor, turbine,

pump, equipment and every business unit. A check of limit values can generate three

different status conditions, which can be indicated by the following three colors: Normal

(green), First alarm stage (yellow) and second alarm stage (red). These three colors are

shown in the graphic display to indicate the status in the various machine sections. Since

users are unable to monitor the monitoring system continuously, alarm messages must

be sent automatically by the system if an extraordinary event occurs. Several options for

relaying alarm message are LAN, E-mail, Fax, Pager, Voice message etc. & Control

systems. Design of a modern online monitoring system consists of different areas i.e.

the explosion-proof zone, the switch room and the maintenance office. The

decentralized data acquisition equipment is installed in the hazardous area. The

intrinsically safe sensors (indicator pressure, rod drop) that are installed on the

compressor are connected directly to the data acquisition unit. The measured value data

are transmitted to the interface unit (IU) via the bus line. The IU and server are installed

in the switch room. The server captures the data from the equipment; the PLC and the

control system perform diagnosis of the measured value and then store them. The

server is connected to the company’s internal network (LAN/WAN) and by modem to the

telephone network. This modem enables remote access to the system as well as tale -

maintenance and general support. Because the server is fully integrated into the network,

it can be displayed and operated via computer in the maintenance office. For example-

Compressor conditioning monitoring (CCM) system (Server) can be installed on

compressors both with and without electronic step less control. Cost reduction is

particularly significant here for compressors with these types of controllers because of the

shared hardware platform. Online data analysis and diagnosis and monitoring of piston

rod position signals of compressors. Indicator pressure analysis monitoring piston rod

load is important for safe operation of reciprocating compressors especially when

pressure and load condition vary. Process Data Analysis is done by MIS. So, depending

on configuration of an individual compressor, the following parameters can be included

in the monitoring and diagnostic preferences: suction and discharge pressure, suction

and discharge temperature, discharge capacity, valve nest temperatures, leakage gas flow,

motor power consumption oil and bearing temperature etc. Trend Value Analysis is also

done by MIS. So, Measured values and parameters are stored as trend values thus

providing a standard data basis; we can also set bookmarks in the trend analysis to

document such events as inspections or equipment damage. In JFCL actually IT is not

used, computers are used only for data entry. IT can be used in every business unit of

JFCL. JFCL can use IT for supplier, vendor, and licensor of process, foreign expert,

foreign & local purchase, process optimization, internationalization & HRD.

6.0 Summary Of Main Findings & Achievements

Analyzing Management Information System of Jamuna Fertilizer Company Limited has

been studied existing information flow systems inside and outside of JFCL.

The main findings are summarized below:

1. There are 21 computers for data entry & 18 programmable logic controllers (PLC) to

control plant in JFCL.

2. MIS consists of hardware, software, people, procedures and collection of data through

networking. These components work together to provide information and help managers

run the company, solve problems, and make decisions. JFCL is now under process to

implement networking in each business unit. There is no distributed control system

(DCS) even there is no plan or process to implement DCS in JFCL.

3. In JFCL divide the organization into three decision levels: operations, tactics and

strategy. Here 327 officers’ work for management in these three decision levels.

Among them about 250 officers work in operation level. The operations level consists

of day-to-day operations and decisions. But there is no plan of JFCL to computerize the

operation level. Next tactical decision level involves changes to the company without

altering the overall structure. In JFCL, this type of decision is taken by sectional &

divisional heads. A plan is under process, that all sectional & divisional heads, i.e. about

50 business units will be taken under computer network. Then comes strategic decision.

Strategic decision can alter the entire firm or even the industry. This type of decision can

be taken by chief executive officer of a company. In JFCL, Managing Director can take

strategic decision on behalf of BCIC Board, JFCL Company BOARD and BCIC.

4. In JFCL, data entry works through computer side-by-side type machine have been

running since 2000 in a limited manner. As a result, now, daily productions report,

inspection report, technical minutes, different process data sheet of urea, ammonia &

utility plant are done through computer easily.

5. Computerized MIS has not been implemented in this company, by using computers and

many jobs are done manually

6. JFCL is an enterprise of BCIC has departments of MIS and computers. MIS

department of BCIC collects data, information from BCIC's enterprises & offices. After

compiling this data circulates them to the concern ministries, all enterprises of BCIC, all

directors and the chairman.

7. There is no section named MIS in JFCL. But in JFCL technical services section under

technical division works all kinds of reporting, which is required by BCIC.

6.1 Recommendations

I recommended the following points to implement MIS in JFCL.

1. In such places, where computers are not installed, henceforth, it is needed to introduce

computers in each business unit of JFCL for quality decision.

2. It is needed to connect networking system to provide sufficient budget.

3. JFCL should setup server to connect network in the computer room with LAN and

WAN facilities.

4. It is needed to approve setup for computer system section in order to link network

management, security administration & data base management.

5. It may be connected Internet with computer server of JFCL to BCIC head office's

computer server & abroad in order to communicate information.

6. JFCL authority should design network system of computerization to implement

assigned activities.

7. JFCL should develop computer program for designing computer-networking system.

8. Necessary actions should be taken to implement the whole networking system.

9. Special software can be collected from outside of JFCL and BCIC.

10. JFCL can able to use a training facility, which is organized by BCIC central

computers' department.

11. JFCL should provide the most effective networking infrastructure and logistic

support.

12. The plant can be provided with enough computers for supporting the engineering and

technical personnel for different engineering and technical analyses.

13. The plant can be provided with Internet facilities. It will make procurement competive

through speeding up communication and having access to recent technical literature.

14. The plant shall make an effort to incorporate recent technological changes in respect

of process, plant machinery and control strategy in consultation with consultation with

process licensors, vendors and engineering contractors through MIS.

15. JFCL need to find out what technological changes have been incorporated in similar

plants in neighboring countries built about the same time through MIS.

16. To maximize the utilization of existing workshop facilities, common material bank

can be created by BCIC to make spares and components for JFCL and other plants,

thereby, ensuring speedy maintenance of the plants to interchange information with other

plants of BCIC through MIS.

6.2 Conclusion

A management information system (MIS) is an organized method of providing past,

present, and projected information related to internal operations and external intelligence.

It supports the planning, control and operational function of an organization in the proper

time frame to assist the decision making process. A MIS can provide any organization

with significant information at a minimum cost with a minimum time delay and for

maximum benefit. It can provide the desired information in the proper form, to proper

people and at a proper time. Now, there is no organized MIS to collect data to take better

decision in JFCL. For this reason, the chairman of BCIC advised to the management of

JFCL to implement MIS in this factory within a very short time. Today developed

industrial countries increased the productivity by applying modern MIS. The results of

this study may facilitate in better decision for increasing productivity of the company.

This paper is a guideline of analyzing management information system of Jamuna

Fertilizer Company Limited. Through this study, I have developed some technical

information about management information system to implement in JFCL. MIS helps to

take quality and proper decision timely. The management of JFCL of BCIC should

rapidly implement MIS system to meet global demand by proper, educated and skilled

personnel who have sufficient knowledge of MIS.

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