What is the process of converting the Master Production Schedule into requirements for key resources?

The process of converting the Master Production Schedule (MPS) into requirements for key resources is known as Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP). This step is crucial as it allows an organization to assess whether it has the necessary capacity to meet the demands outlined in the MPS.

RCCP typically involves analyzing the capacity of critical resources such as labor, machinery, and materials, based on the planned production quantities and timing specified in the MPS. By doing so, it helps identify any potential constraints or shortages in capacity before detailed scheduling and resource allocation takes place. This proactive approach enables businesses to adjust their plans, whether that means reallocating resources, adjusting production volumes, or scheduling maintenance, to ensure that production goals can be met.

In contrast, other processes like Finite Loading focus on scheduling specific work orders within existing capacity constraints, while Master Scheduling itself refers to the overall planning process that dictates what is to be produced and when. Resource Planning encompasses a wider scope that includes not just capacity analysis but also inventory management and resource allocation. Therefore, Rough Cut Capacity Planning specifically zeroes in on the relationship between the MPS and the capacity of resources, making it the correct answer.