What MRP is and who needs it
MRP = Material Requirements Planning
Short definition
MRP is a method of planning material requirements in manufacturing. Based on orders, forecasts and bills of materials (BOM), the system calculates how much raw material and components to order and when, so production runs without stoppages or excess stock.
MRP (Material Requirements Planning) is the planning logic used in manufacturing companies. It starts from what must be produced and when (orders plus forecasts), breaks the product down into raw materials and components per the bill of materials (BOM), accounts for current stock and lead times, and finally tells you what to order and when to start production.
The goal of MRP is to avoid two extremes: a missing material that halts production, and cash frozen in excess stock. Well-run MRP shortens lead times, reduces stoppages and gives predictable delivery dates to customers - especially important in B2B with long supply chains.
MRP is usually an ERP module. To work well it needs current data: orders from sales channels, stock levels and BOMs. That is where integration comes in - orders from marketplaces or a B2B portal must feed the planning. Open Mercato connects these channels to the ERP so MRP runs on live data.
Key facts about MRP
- MRP calculates how much material to order and when to start production.
- It relies on the bill of materials (BOM), orders and forecasts.
- It only works on current data - hence the importance of integration.
Frequently asked questions
How is MRP different from ERP?
MRP is a specific production-planning logic, usually a module within an ERP. ERP covers the whole company (sales, stock, finance), while MRP handles material requirements.
Where does MRP get order data from?
From the ERP, which must receive orders from every channel. That is why we connect marketplaces and the B2B portal to the ERP - so planning runs on real demand.
Related terms
You manufacture and want MRP to run on live data? Let's talk.
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