Final answer:
The statement that the advent of the computer age enabled the development of MRP for inventory control and scheduling is true. Computers allowed for automation in the workplace and the implementation of complex data management systems, paving the way for MRP to become a critical tool in manufacturing and inventory management in a burgeoning information economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the advent of the computer age paved the way for the development of MRP (Material Requirements Planning) for inventory control and scheduling is True. MRP is a computer-based inventory management system designed to assist production managers in scheduling and placing orders for items of dependent demand. With the dawn of the computer age, businesses were able to use computers to perform tasks more efficiently. The automation of the workplace meant that computers could handle routine tasks such as bookkeeping and clerical work, which earlier required human intervention. Furthermore, in manufacturing, computerized robots took over many tasks that were previously done by factory workers. This shift has allowed for more sophisticated management of inventory and production schedules, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Early computer use in the 1950s included complex data management systems for the rapid processing of information by institutions like the U.S. Census Bureau. However, it wasn't until the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the availability of fully assembled personal computers from manufacturers like Apple, Commodore, and Tandy, that computers became more commonplace in businesses and homes. This technological advancement enabled the rise of MRP systems as businesses sought to leverage computers to streamline their operations.
The transition to an information economy highlights the value of information and the creative use of it. This economic shift is characterized by fewer people needed in traditional manufacturing roles and the rise of industries operating predominantly online. In this context, MRP systems have become essential in managing the complexities of production and inventory in a technology-driven market. The market revolution further solidified the role of technology in transforming social and economic paradigms, leading to newer systems like MRP that optimize resource allocation and boost productivity.