You know that Material Requirements Planning (MRP) in IFS Cloud enables manufacturers to balance demand, inventory, and production schedules in real-time. However, for it to deliver on its full potential, it must be set up effectively.
MRP transforms your planning from reactive to proactive, minimizing shortages, improving delivery performance, and optimizing shop floor flow.
In this guide, you’ll see exactly how to set up MRP in IFS Cloud, how to configure it, and how to validate your results for long-term success.
1. No Trash Data Please! Build on Clean Data
Before tuning your parameters, start with the foundation…clean, accurate data. In IFS Cloud, your MRP results are only as good as the setup in these screens:
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Inventory Part – Acquisition tab
Verify lead time and lead time code. These drive supplier timing and MRP’s purchase suggestions. -
Inventory Part – Planning Data tab
Set planning method (MRP, Order Point, Safety Stock), order horizon, and lot size. -
Product Structure
Confirm components, revisions, and validity dates are correct.
Even a single active but outdated BOM or lead time can cascade through your entire MRP run.
2. Set Expectations…Define What Success Looks Like
What’s our goal with MRP?
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Reduce inventory: Use smaller lot sizes and tighter horizons.
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Improve delivery reliability: Fine-tune Safety Stock and lead time offsets on the Planning Data tab.
Keep your setup aligned with your business priorities. Don’t overcomplicate it.
3. Connect MRP to Daily Workflows
MRP becomes powerful when it’s integrated into your team’s daily routines. Ensure planners and buyers know how to act on MRP messages:
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MRP Part Information
Review Gross Requirements and Action Proposals to see real demand sources and suggested actions. -
Perform Site MRP
Adjust key parameters like:-
Stop MRP on error (ensures clean runs)
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Add 1-day lead-time back-off (adds scheduling flexibility)
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Plan safety stock receipts on MRP run date (prevents shortages, but watch for excess)
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Also, review the Site – Manufacturing tab for site-level controls such as Use Rel Purch Reqs in Planning and manufacturing calendars.
4. Run, Test, Tweak, and Trust
Before going live, simulate MRP using test data. Validate your results against real production runs:
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Are purchase proposals generated on time and accurately?
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Are manufacturing orders released with enough buffer?
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Are suppliers and BOM structures aligned?
Continuous refinement builds trust, both in the system and in your team’s planning process.
Key Takeaways for Effective MRP in IFS Cloud
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Verify data accuracy in the Inventory Part – Acquisition & Planning Data tabs.
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Configure Perform Site MRP carefully for optimal results.
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Simulate runs before going live to ensure realistic outcomes.
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Align BOMs, lead times, and calendars to reflect real production.
Need Help Setting Up MRP, your planning data, or fixing a broken MRP process?
We are here to help! Reach out and let’s have a conversation about how you can start – Saving Time, Saving Money, and Take Control
Start Winning At Planning With MRP!
FAQs
Q1. What is MRP in IFS Cloud?
MRP (Material Requirements Planning) in IFS Cloud automates the calculation of what materials are needed, when, and in what quantity — aligning purchasing, production, and delivery schedules.
Q2. Which IFS screens are used for MRP setup?
Key screens include Inventory Part → Planning Data, Product Structure (BOM), Perform Site MRP, and MRP Part Information.
Q3. How do I test MRP results in IFS?
Use the Perform Site MRP activity in a test environment, then analyze outcomes in MRP Part Information to ensure realistic proposals.