Supercharged Supply Chains

CHAPTER 7Mastering the Master Schedule: Meeting Customer Requests at Optimal Cost

This chapter reinforces the use of Master Scheduling to ensure that planning the end item is fully appreciated. Previous chapters have discussed nervousness in Material Requirements Planning (MRP) plans and schedules, and how underlying data inaccuracy contributes to that nervousness. But nothing drives more nervousness than improper use of the Master Schedule (MS). The Master Scheduler (Supply Planner) operates between Sales and Marketing (the internal customers) and Supply (the internal supplier). It is a key and a challenging role that is, all too often, very understated. Coaching a client who was implementing a new MRP system with Class A behaviors (Chapter 18), one of the Master Schedulers made the observation that the Master Scheduler is between “a rock and a hard place.” Our answer was a quick “absolutely.” In fact, one of our recently retired colleagues used to refer to that existence as “living between the dog and the fire hydrant”! This chapter describes the critical processes and behaviors needed to enable the Master Scheduler to operate effectively in this environment.

FIGURE 7.1 Business Excellence Planning

Figure 7.1, Business Excellence Planning, shows where Master Scheduling sits in an integrated planning process. It drives MRP, relying on accurate Bills of Material (BOMs), ...