Master Scheduling

       The Master Scheduling system is a tool for creating and
       monitoring the master production schedule (MPS).  The master
       schedule is a statement of what is to be produced in the future
       and when.  This master schedule can then be used by the system to
       establish a network of recommended schedules designed to satisfy
       the master schedule itself.  Therefore, the Master Scheduling
       system can be used to provide the user's primary point of input
       to and control over all supporting schedules.

       File maintenance functions are provided for the necessary data
       files including the sales forecast, seasonal sales trends, and
       the master schedule itself.  Sales forecasts may be entered
       manually or generated automatically on request.  The master
       schedule is consumed (relieved) by the release of production
       orders and purchase orders.  The sales forecast is consumed by
       the booking of customer orders.

       A Master Scheduling inquiry report provides information vital to
       the creation of the master schedule and slotting of customer
       orders.  Sales forecasts, open orders, and planned inventory
       activity are presented in a time-phased format, along with the
       projected on-hand balance and quantity available to promise.

       Exception notices are provided to indicate areas where the master
       schedule may be inadequate, excessive, or improperly timed.
       A master schedule totals report is available which can be used to
       total the master schedule for various items, categories
       (families) and periods of time.  In situations where management
       has expressed an overall production plan for certain items or
       families in terms such as "x units per month", this report can be
       used as a tool to insure that the specific lots stated in the
       master schedule are in line with the production plan.

       Master Scheduling functions:
               File maintenance functions
               Master scheduling inquiry
               Forecast regeneration
               Consume sales forecast
               Master schedule totals report
               System management