MRP is only as good as the assumptions it runs on. In automotive supply chains, those assumptions can change quickly: OEM EDI, supplier lead times, inventory status, engineering changes, allocation rules, and planner overrides.
When MRP does not match reality, teams see shortages with inventory, expedites with stable demand, or excess stock after forecast changes.
SupplyWhy helps automotive suppliers reconcile planning signals across systems. Jenae helps explain why a planning recommendation was created and whether it reflects current supply chain reality.
What The Problem Looks Like
MRP/EDI mismatch often appears as:
- MRP exceptions that planners do not trust.
- Shortage messages for parts with apparent inventory.
- Expedite recommendations that are hard to justify.
- Over-ordering caused by stale demand or lead times.
- Manual spreadsheet work to reconcile customer releases.
- Planner overload and inconsistent decisions.
Why It Happens
Automotive planning data changes faster than many systems can explain.
Common causes include:
- OEM EDI releases changing inside lead time.
- Supplier lead times that differ from system settings.
- Inventory blocked, allocated, in transit, or mislocated.
- Engineering changes not fully reflected in planning logic.
- MOQs and pack sizes distorting order recommendations.
- Manual planner overrides without traceable rationale.
What Data Reveals It
To diagnose MRP/EDI mismatch, teams need:
- Current and historical EDI releases.
- MRP recommendations and exception history.
- Supplier commits and actual deliveries.
- Inventory status, allocation, and location.
- Lead time and MOQ settings.
- Planner overrides and decision logs.
- Expedite, shortage, and excess inventory outcomes.
How SupplyWhy Helps
SupplyWhy helps teams understand why planning recommendations exist and whether they still make sense.
Jenae can help answer:
- Which EDI changes caused new MRP exceptions?
- Which shortages are real vs system noise?
- Which inventory is available vs blocked or misallocated?
- Which recommendations will create excess or expedite risk?
- Which decisions should be automated or escalated?
Metrics To Track
- MRP exception volume.
- Planner override frequency.
- Shortages caused by planning mismatch.
- Excess inventory caused by stale assumptions.
- Expedites triggered by late planning signals.
- Time spent reconciling EDI and MRP manually.