Integrating Other Modules with MRP

The MRP module must be used in conjunction with the Inventory Management module. Other modules can be integrated with MRP to take full advantage of the information stored in the system. When integrated, each accounting module shares common information with other related modules. Sharing eliminates any double entry of information already stored in the system.

The following modules can also be integrated with MRP.

Inventory Management

Integrating the Inventory Management module is required to provide MRP access to the items needed for distributing or producing finished goods. The on-hand quantities in inventory are recognized as a part of the supply of an item during the MRP Generation process. The Inventory Management module supplies all reorder information, vendor lead times, and product build times.

Note The Inventory Management module must be set up prior to setting up MRP.

Bill of Materials

When the Bill of Materials module is integrated with MRP, it supplies the database of components, assemblies, and subassemblies for calculating finished goods versus raw materials. The MRP Generation process disassembles all finished goods to the lowest levels to calculate the various time-phased operations needed, and to give the necessary material requirement information. The system uses the current revision of a bill, regardless of what is specified. If several revisions are in use simultaneously, each revision should have its own item code.

Only certain bill types are supported when the Bill of Materials module is integrated. The following list describes these bills:

Standard bills and kit bills are supported by the MRP Generation process.
Inactive bills do not affect MRP calculations; the MRP Generation process disregards these bills.
Engineering bills must be valid inventory items or the system disregards these bills during the MRP Generation process.
Phantom bills are included in the MRP Generation process if specified in MRP Options.

For more information, see the Bill of Materials Help system.

Purchase Order

When the Purchase Order module is integrated with MRP, the material on a purchase order is recognized as a part of the supply of an item during the MRP Generation process. Items on a purchase order form the basis for the Action by Vendor Report.

Sales Order

When the Sales Order module is integrated with MRP, the material on a sales order is recognized as part of the demand for an item during the MRP Generation process.

Work Order

Integrating the Work Order module is optional, but is required to update work orders automatically through the MRP Generation process. Auto Generate Work Orders creates, deletes, or changes firm-planned work orders for items.