What is the primary function of a "Material Requirements Planning" (MRP) system?

The primary function of a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system is to plan manufacturing processes and inventory levels. This system serves to ensure that materials are available for production while maintaining the lowest possible inventory levels. By calculating the required materials needed based on production schedules, forecasts, and inventory data, an MRP system assists organizations in coordinating materials in a way that aligns manufacturing operations with customer demand.

It focuses on essential aspects like when to order materials, how much to order, and maintaining optimal inventory levels to meet production schedules without delays. This helps to minimize waste and reduce costs, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process.

In contrast, scheduling training for logistics staff, conducting market analysis for materials, and managing customer feedback are functions that do not directly relate to the core purpose of MRP systems, which centers around manufacturing and inventory management.