MRPParameter

MRPParameter is a term used in material requirements planning (MRP) systems to denote a configurable set of planning attributes associated with a material or product. It encapsulates the rules and data that guide replenishment calculations, helping planners tailor the MRP process to different items, supplier lead times, and production characteristics.

Typical attributes stored in an MRPParameter include lead times for procurement and manufacturing, safety stock levels, reorder points, and lot sizing policies. Additional fields may cover order quantities, planning horizon, calendar constraints, and forecast adjustments. In practice, MRPParameter can be implemented as a data object or database record linked to the item master data, and it may be read by the MRP engine during net requirements calculation.

MRPParameter serves to separate planning logic from static master data, allowing flexible experimentation and category-based or supplier-based planning rules. It can be static (unchanging) or dynamic, depending on factors such as demand variability, service level targets, or seasonality. Depending on the system, separate parameter sets may exist for procurement and for manufacturing, or a single consolidated object may cover both.

Common usage examples include setting a fixed order quantity policy, specifying a safety stock that protects against stockouts, and defining lead times that influence when orders are placed. While powerful, MRPParameter requires careful governance to avoid conflicting rules or outdated values.

See also: Material requirements planning, lot sizing, safety stock, lead time, ERP.