What does the master scheduling process primarily manage?

The master scheduling process is primarily concerned with balancing demand with supply to create a comprehensive plan for production. In this context, demand forecasting plays a critical role, as it helps in predicting customer needs and aligns resources to meet those needs efficiently.

By understanding and anticipating demand, the master scheduling process can ensure that the right products are produced at the right time, thus maintaining service levels and minimizing excess inventory. This forecasting helps in developing a master schedule that guides production while accommodating variability in customer demand.

While ordering of materials, production efficiency, and inventory levels are important components of overall supply chain management, they are ultimately influenced by the output of the master scheduling process. A well-formed master schedule facilitates effective ordering, enhances production efficiency, and helps manage inventory levels by aligning them with forecasted demand. Therefore, demand forecasting is the primary focus of the master scheduling process.