Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

How does the MPS provide assurance for the sales force?

1. By encouraging flexibility in production

2. By offering delivery commitments based on product availability

3. By increasing the production volume

4. By reducing costs associated with inventory

The correct answer is: By offering delivery commitments based on product availability

The Master Production Schedule (MPS) provides assurance for the sales force by offering delivery commitments based on product availability. This function is crucial as it allows the sales team to communicate realistic delivery dates to customers based on the production plan that reflects anticipated demand and current inventory levels. When the sales force has reliable delivery dates, they can build trust with customers and effectively manage expectations regarding when products will be available. With the MPS in place, it ensures that production activities are aligned with sales forecasts, which significantly enhances the ability to fulfill orders as promised. This reliability is key for maintaining customer satisfaction and supporting sales efforts, as customers tend to favor companies that can deliver on time. The other options, while they might relate to production strategies or efficiency, do not specifically address the primary obligation of the sales force to provide accurate and dependable information to customers regarding deliveries, which is well-supported by a robust MPS.