Material requirements planning [MRP] was an early stage in the development of information systems to help manufacturing planning decide what materials were needed, in what quantities, and when. The purpose of the system was to ensure that the bill of material, the ‘explosion’ of the finished product into components and sub-assemblies was translated into a master production schedule and a recommended purchasing schedule for the raw materials needed to produce products. See also Manufacturing Resource Planning.

Supply Planning e-Learning courses are available at Academy of Procurement.