In my opinion… Minimum should be the quantity required to keep you going during the LEAD TIME for the part… for example, if the lead time is 30 days, and you “normally” consume 100 every 30 days, then the Minimum should be 100.
the SAFETY qty is “extra” just in case you consume more than the 100 in 30 days, OR if the lead time is not consistent (sometimes it is 40 days)… then you need “extra safety” to get you past the inconsistency.
In any case, MRP will add the two numbers together (safety + minimum) and that is the target level.
as stated above, these two quantities are treated differently in how urgent the signaling is handled… if you are below safety, then it is an emergency. If you are below Safety + Minimum, and if you are within the leadtime of the demand, then it is treated as normal, and will not tell you to rush.
4 Likes