CPIM Practice Exam

From which source does the information needed to develop a master schedule come?

1. Capacity requirements plan

2. Forecast of individual end items

3. Production activity control

4. Material requirements plan

The correct answer is: Forecast of individual end items

The information needed to develop a master schedule primarily comes from the forecast of individual end items. This forecast provides insights into expected customer demand, which is crucial for determining how many units of each product need to be produced over specific time periods. The master schedule serves as a critical tool for aligning production plans with market demand and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to meet those requirements. By relying on a forecast, organizations can better anticipate demand fluctuations and make informed decisions about scheduling production runs, thereby improving service levels and inventory management. The other options play important roles in the broader planning process, but they are not the primary sources for the master schedule itself. The capacity requirements plan focuses on operational capabilities, production activity control deals with managing ongoing production processes, and the material requirements plan ensures the availability of necessary materials but all stem from the need to meet the forecasts laid out in the master schedule.