The master production schedule is a 'funnel' through which the details about demand are drawn together, sifted and, as near as possible, balanced by supply.

Responsibility for the activities of maintaining the master production schedule is clearly assigned.

The importance of this position is reflected within the management structure and reporting relationships.

Master production planning is a dynamic process that requires understanding of the products, the manufacturing process and the manufacturing planning and control system.

The master production schedule makes available information to the customer which reliably (given known variables) gives available-to-promise information.

The master scheduler is part of the communication channel which advises on capacity or material problems so that contingency and resolution planning can be effected.

The master scheduler must keep the parts (master production schedule) equal to the whole (production plan).

The master production schedule is aligned to the agreed-to-rate of manufacturing output.

All levels of items are identified and master production scheduled.

Arough-cut capacity facility is available which can readily evaluate the impact of significant change enquiries on the master production schedule (this should use demonstrated average capacity matrixes for comparison with required capacity implications).

The master scheduler is a vital link between the process of sales requirements and operations planning and, as such, is the 'level-headed mediator between the dynamics of demand (sales planning) and supply (operations planning).

Targets about master production schedule commitments, responsiveness and stability are known policy objectives and are measured by review.

The master production...