MRP#3 - Missing Lead Times: Why Business Central MRP Always Plans Too Late

If MRP suggestions consistently appear after demand dates, lead times are almost always the cause.

What Many Teams Miss

Business Central does not use a single lead time. It combines lead time from:

• Item or SKU

• Vendor

• Routing

• Safety lead time

A missing value in any of these breaks the chain.

Typical Symptoms

• Purchase orders suggested after required dates

• Unrealistic ATP and CTP promises

• Constant expediting

How to Fix It

• Maintain lead times as date formulas (2W, 5D)

• Review lead times whenever suppliers or routings change

• Use SKUs if lead times vary by location

MRP timing is only as good as the longest missing lead time.