What are the components determined by a materials requirements planning system?

A materials requirements planning (MRP) system is designed to manage manufacturing processes effectively by ensuring that the right materials are available for production at the right time. The core components that an MRP system determines include the items required for production, the quantity of each item necessary to meet production schedules, and the timing of when these materials should be ordered or produced to align with manufacturing timelines.

Understanding this, the focus on items required, quantity, and timing highlights the primary function of MRP. This system uses data from inventory and production plans to forecast material needs accurately, thus reducing waste and improving efficiency in the production process. By calculating these components, an MRP system optimally schedules production runs, minimizes stockouts, and balances inventory levels, aligning material availability with production schedules.

The other options do not encapsulate the main purpose of MRP systems. Production capacity and automation pertain more to the manufacturing process itself rather than material requirements. Finished goods and lead times do not capture the broader scope of components that MRP encompasses, while supplier efficiency and shipping times focus on external factors not directly controlled by MRP systems.