Which component is NOT required for the MRP process to run efficiently?

In the MRP (Material Requirements Planning) process, customer orders are not a mandatory component for the successful execution of the planning run. MRP primarily relies on other elements such as material master data, which provides essential details about materials, including inventory levels, lead times, and lot sizes. Additionally, forecasting input is important, as it helps predict future demand for materials based on historical data, allowing for better planning of inventory levels.

While customer orders can enhance the accuracy of the MRP process by providing real-time demand signals, they are not a prerequisite for MRP to function. MRP can still generate procurement proposals based on projections, stock levels, and existing inventory, independent of actual customer orders. Therefore, this option clarifies that while customer orders can influence MRP outputs, they are not essential for initiating or running the MRP process.