Final answer:
An MRP system is a production and inventory management tool integral to a multi-tier supply chain, designed to predict and manage the flow of materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Materials Requirements Planning (MRP) system is an example of (b) a multi-tier supply chain. An MRP system is a tool used in production and inventory management. Its main function is to mitigate the complexities involved in scheduling and planning by using software to effectively predict and manage the flow of materials through the multi-tiered supply chain. An MRP system integrates data from production schedules with inventory levels and the bill of materials (BOM) to calculate the quantity of components needed, the timing for ordering materials, and to plan the production processes. T
his ensures that materials are available for production and products are available for delivery to customers at the right time, thus minimizing inventory levels and optimizing production efficiency. It is not associated with spot purchasing, legacy computer systems, or electronic data interchange (EDI), which are different elements involved in supply chain management.