Embedding JIT into MRP

Today many companies who are using MRP production control systems are investigating how they can produce some or all of their products using just-in time (JIT) principles. They wonder to what extent MRP can provide support for JIT production. This paper describes how JIT can be embedded into MRP. A three-step framework is described which makes use of MRP's backflushing and phantom features, and permits JIT principles to be used to the furthest extent possible. The JIT benefits that will be reported by MRP, as well as those that remain hidden because of MRP, are outlined. Observations from work with North American and Western European manufacturers are also discussed.