CPIM Practice Exam

Which is a major input to a material requirements planning system?

1. Production plan

2. Capacity requirements plan

3. Production activity control schedule

4. Master production schedule

The correct answer is: Master production schedule

A major input to a material requirements planning (MRP) system is the master production schedule (MPS). The MPS outlines what products need to be produced, in what quantities, and by when. It serves as a critical guide for planning materials and resources necessary for production. By specifying the timing and quantity of product output, the MPS informs the MRP about the demand for components and raw materials required to meet production goals. The master production schedule is pivotal because it directly correlates with customer demand and helps in planning for material availability, inventory management, and helps achieve production efficiency. Without an accurate MPS, the MRP system would struggle to generate effective material planning and scheduling, leading to potential delays and excess inventory. While other options such as production plans, capacity requirements plans, and production activity control schedules play important roles in the broader production planning process, they do not serve as the primary input for the MRP system specifically. The MPS is the foundational element that drives the entire material requirements planning process.