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50 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2018 Feature by Stephanie Weaver ZENTECH MANUFACTURING Proper task order execution is essential for accurate accountability and tracking of customer programs and schedules. In a Depart- ment of Defense (DoD) contracting environ- ment, there are many flow-downs from the contracting officer to the contract manufac- turer (CM) that must be implemented, tracked and executed successfully. Many contract vehicles are issued as indefi- nite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts with delivery orders (DO) or task orders (TO) issued by the contracting officer on a periodic and as required basis to formally task the CM with releasing product builds for manufactur- ing and delivery against the contract require- ments. The disciplines required to support the DoD contracting environment represent best practices and are equally applicable to the commercial sector when applied by a high- performing CM. Below are some best practices to ensure task order execution success. 1. Establish one primary POC to communi- cate with the customer. For example, task order management processes can be managed by a Program Manager. The PM will organize, schedule, and begin monitoring all phases of work described in the task order proposal. The PM will also prepare progress reports, conduct progress meetings, communi - cate with the customer and ensure that all deliv- erables are shipped on time. 2. Maintain a robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with an integrated material requirements planning (MRP) module for ordering and tracking project material requirements. This provides real-time orders- in-process tracking and coordinated design change and deviations. 3. Daily manufacturing meetings. These meetings are comprised of the procure- ment, receiving/shipping/kitting, and manu- facturing operations staff. These brief meetings are held to assure understanding of the day's planned tasks, and to promote effective plan - ning, problem resolution, and risk mitigation. 4. Weekly reviews with all departments. Manufacturing, program managers, execu- tive administration, engineering, and purchas- Essential Task Order Execution in Contract Manufacturing