MPS vs MRP

Should I use Master Production Scheduling (MPS) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) for my materials ?

To answer this question, the things to consider are:

• Where the material is located in the BOM: is it a header material or a component ?
• Is the material a lead item for shopfloor operations scheduling ?
• Is the material subject to frequent changes ?
• Does it need to have a frozen period to prevent any changes within that planning horizon?

You would typically choose MPS for a header material on which you want to have a Master plan.

You would - for example - freeze the week ahead, making sure that no changes occur to the master plan that has been agreed upon within your organization.