Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Everything we have published.
MRP Inputs and Outputs: The Complete Breakdown for Manufacturers
Master the three inputs and key outputs of MRP systems. Learn how the master production schedule, BOM, and inventory records drive planned orders, purchase requisitions, and exception reports.
MRP Lot Sizing Methods: LFL, EOQ, POQ & More Compared
Compare MRP lot sizing methods including Lot-for-Lot, EOQ, Fixed Order Quantity, and Period Order Quantity. Learn when to use each method with formulas, examples, and cost analysis.
MRP Nervousness: Causes, Effects & How to Stabilize Your Plans
Understand MRP nervousness, why MRP systems generate excessive schedule changes, and proven techniques like time fences, firm planned orders, and dampening to stabilize material plans.
MRP Formula: Gross-to-Net Requirements (with a Worked Example)
The MRP formula: net requirement = gross requirement - projected on hand - scheduled receipts + safety stock. Step-by-step gross-to-net worked example.
MRP vs JIT: Which Material Planning Strategy Fits Your Factory?
Compare MRP and JIT (Just-in-Time) manufacturing approaches. Learn the key differences, when to use each, and how to combine MRP and JIT for optimal production planning.
MRP vs ERP (and MRP II): Key Differences, Comparison Table and Worked Example
MRP vs ERP explained: MRP plans materials, ERP runs the whole business, and MRP II sits between them. A comparison table of MRP, MRP II, ERP and APS, one worked example, and how to choose.
MRP vs Spreadsheets: When to Upgrade from Excel to MRP Software
Compare MRP software against spreadsheet-based planning. Learn the signs you have outgrown Excel, what MRP automates, and how to make the transition with minimum disruption.
Multi-Level BOM in MRP: Structure, Explosion & Low-Level Codes
Master multi-level bills of materials in MRP. Learn BOM explosion, low-level coding, parent-child relationships, and how MRP processes complex product structures across multiple assembly levels.
Safety Stock in MRP: Formulas, Calculations & Best Practices
Learn how to calculate and manage safety stock in MRP systems. Covers formulas for safety stock calculation, service level targeting, demand variability, and lead time uncertainty.
What Is MRP? Material Requirements Planning With an Example
MRP (material requirements planning) turns a master production schedule into dated purchase and work orders. Inputs, outputs, a worked gross-to-net table.
Automated vs Manual Production Scheduling: A Comparison
Compare automated and manual production scheduling approaches. Learn when each works best, how to combine them, and what automation means for manufacturing schedulers.
Batch Scheduling vs Discrete Scheduling: When to Use Each
Understand the differences between batch scheduling and discrete scheduling in manufacturing, when each approach applies, and how to handle mixed environments.