CPIM Practice Exam

Which is the first step in Master Scheduling Steps?

1. Publish the MPS

2. Perform rough-cut capacity planning

3. Disaggregate the production plan into preliminary master schedules

4. Aggregate master schedules for all related end items

The correct answer is: Disaggregate the production plan into preliminary master schedules

The first step in Master Scheduling is to disaggregate the production plan into preliminary master schedules. This step is crucial because the production plan provides a high-level view of what needs to be produced, typically expressed in aggregate terms (such as total units of a product over a time period). Disaggregating this plan means breaking it down into more detailed schedules that outline how many units of each specific end item will be produced in shorter time frames, such as weeks or days. This process sets the foundation for the Master Production Schedule (MPS), allowing for more precise planning and coordination of resources, inventory, and capacity. It ensures that the detailed scheduling aligns with the aggregate production goals outlined earlier. Once the preliminary master schedules are established, the organization can then move on to further steps like capacity planning, publishing the MPS, and aggregating schedules for more specific end items, but the initial disaggregation is essential to inform and guide those subsequent activities.