Which term describes the process of committing orders against available capacity and inventory, using a finite-scheduling model to determine delivery timing and considering constraints such as resources, lead times, and subassemblies?

• A. Capable-2-promise
• B. Finite scheduling
• C. Capacity control
• D. Chase production method

Answer: (A)

Capable-to-promise means committing customer orders against what is actually available in terms of capacity and inventory, using a finite scheduling model to determine a credible delivery date that accounts for constraints like resources, lead times, and subassemblies.

This approach makes the promised date feasible by checking both on-hand inventory and what the shop can complete within its capacity limits, considering the sequence and timing of operations. The finite scheduling part models the real constraints of the production system—machines, labor, work centers, and the need for subassemblies—so the delivered date reflects what can truly be achieved.

Finite scheduling by itself is just the scheduling method; it’s not the act of promising a specific date to a customer. Capacity control focuses on managing capacity and bottlenecks, not on generating customer delivery promises. The chase production method is a production strategy that adapts output to demand, not a process for committing orders with constrained feasibility.