Master Production Schedule (MPS)

Master scheduling follows aggregate planning. It expresses the overall plans in terms of specific end items or models that can be assigned priorities. It is useful to plan for the material and capacity requirements.

Flowchart of aggregate plan and master production schedule is shown in Fig. 5.4 Time interval used in master scheduling depends upon the type, volume, and component lead times of the products being produced. Normally weekly time intervals are used. The time horizon covered by the master schedule also depends upon product characteristics and lead times. Some master schedules cover a period as short as few weeks and for some products it is more than a year.

Functions of MPS

Master Production Schedule (MPS) gives a formal details of the production plan and converts this plan into specific material and capacity requirements. The requirements with respect to labour, material and equipment is then assessed.

The main functions of MPS are:

1. To translate aggregate plans into specific end items: Aggregate plan determines level of operations that tentatively balances the market demands with the material, labour and equipment capabilities of the company. A master schedule translates this plan into specific number of end items to be produced in specific time period.
2. Evaluate alternative schedules: Master schedule is prepared by trial and error. Many computer simulation models are available to evaluate the alternate schedules.
3. Generate material requirement: It forms the basic input for material requirement planning (MRP).
4. Generate capacity requirements: Capacity requirements are directly derived from MPS. Master scheduling is thus a prerequisite for capacity planning.
5. Facilitate information processing: By controlling the load on the plant. Master schedule determines when the delivery should be made. It coordinates with other management information systems such as, marketing, finance and personnel.
6. Effective utilization of capacity: By specifying end item requirements schedule establishes the load and utilization requirements for machines and equipment.

Source: KumarAnil, Suresh N. (2009), Production and operations management, New Age International Pvt Ltd; 2nd Ed. edition.