Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What does the master production schedule primarily list?

1. Forecasted demand for the next year

2. Scheduled orders for end items

3. Available inventory levels

4. Pending supplier deliveries

The correct answer is: Scheduled orders for end items

The master production schedule (MPS) is a critical component of production planning that outlines what needs to be produced and when. It primarily lists the scheduled orders for end items, which reflect the company’s production goals based on customer demand and forecasts. The MPS considers all aspects of production, including lead times, resource availability, and capacity, to provide a clear and actionable plan for manufacturing end products. The focus on scheduled orders for end items ensures that production processes align with customer requirements, enabling organizations to manage inventory levels effectively and reduce the risk of stockouts or excess inventory. This scheduling is essential to synchronize supply with anticipated demand, facilitating efficient production operations. While forecasted demand, available inventory levels, and pending supplier deliveries are important elements of the overall supply chain management process, they are not the primary focus of the master production schedule. Instead, the MPS serves as a tactical plan that drives manufacturing decisions based on those other factors.