Which planning level is associated with the detailed planning process for components and parts to support the master production schedule?

• A. Long Range
• B. MRP II
• C. Short Range
• D. S&OP

Answer: (C)

Short-range planning focuses on translating the master production schedule into precise material needs for components and parts. It uses materials requirements planning to determine what to buy or manufacture, in what quantities, and when, so that the right components arrive and are ready to support the MPS. This involves considering lead times, the bill of materials, lot sizes, and current inventory to keep production on schedule without stockouts or excess. The master production schedule tells what finished goods are needed and when; short-range planning turns that into the detailed, near-term input requirements (materials and parts) needed to actually build them. In contrast, long-range planning looks at capacity and demand over a longer horizon, S&OP focuses on aligning supply and demand at a higher level, and MRP II covers broader integrated planning beyond the granular component level.