Final answer:
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) is a comprehensive approach to assembly planning that considers not just the physical materials but also the integration and value of technology in the product. It requires a detailed understanding of materials, designs, and processes, along with strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) focuses on the needs and timelines for components required to assemble an end item. The process takes into account not only materials and fabrication processes but also integrates design engineering to coordinate the release of new products. Moreover, it involves estimating manufacturing costs, determining time standards, and making recommendations for tooling and process requirements.
To create a plan, a clear understanding of shapes and dimensions of components, schematic diagrams of electrical subsystems, and computer codes for embedded systems is necessary. Additionally, determining whether components are sourced externally or made in-house, as well as the mass of reactants (starting materials) and products (ending materials), forms part of the MRP assignment.
For instance, in manufacturing computers, the plastic parts and wiring might have relatively low material cost, but the value of the technology integrated is considerably higher. Thus, MRP is not just an inventory management tool but also a strategic planner that identifies the value of technology and the importance of intellectual property in the manufacturing process.
Along with the technical aspects, MRP planners must possess robust communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and flexible approaches towards task scheduling, following a systematic method for solving problems through analysis and evaluation of alternate solutions.