What does it mean for MRP to work with infinite capacities?

When MRP works with infinite capacities, it implies that the planning system does not restrict the capacity of work centers when generating capacity requirements. This means that MRP will create capacity requirements for all planned orders and activities without regard to whether the work centers have enough capacity to handle them.

The fundamental principle here is that MRP is focused on ensuring that materials are available for production and that products are available for delivery to customers. The assumptions of infinite capacity allow MRP to produce a feasible schedule without immediate concerns about actual capacity constraints. This approach is particularly useful in initial planning phases or scenarios where capacity is not a limiting factor.

By generating requirements in an unrestricted manner, organizations can obtain a clearer picture of the demand and material needs, which can then be analyzed further for realistic capacity planning and scheduling. This stage is essential for planners to recognize potential bottlenecks in future phases and to make informed decisions about reallocating resources or adjusting schedules accordingly.