CIPS L5M10 Exam - Topic 2 Question 5 Discussion

Actual exam question for CIPS's L5M10 exam

Question #: 5
Topic #: 2

Claudio uses a Re-Order Point (ROP) system for stock replenishment. What is one disadvantage compared with an MRP system?

ASuppliers are unable to view current stock levels

BIt cannot be used with independent demand items

CIt is a manual system that takes longer to raise orders

DIt does not work with forecasts

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: D

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

ROP systems trigger replenishment when inventory hits a set minimum. They are reactive and do not account for forecasted changes in demand (e.g., seasonality). MRP, by contrast, is proactive---factoring in future demand forecasts and production schedules.

(Reference: CIPS L5M10 Study Guide, Re-Order Point systems and limitations, pp. 170--171)

by Sanda at Nov 19, 2025, 11:46 PM

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Ria

1 month ago

I feel like D is also relevant. No forecasts means less accuracy.

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Chauncey

1 month ago

True, but C feels more critical for efficiency.

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Malinda

2 months ago

But isn't option A also a problem? Suppliers can't see stock levels.

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Lorenza

2 months ago

Agreed! ROP takes longer to raise orders compared to MRP.

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Maricela

2 months ago

I think option C is a big issue. Manual processes slow everything down.

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Elvis

2 months ago

Wait, are we sure about B? That sounds off.

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Stephanie

2 months ago

D makes sense, forecasts are key for planning.

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Elza

2 months ago

I thought ROP could handle independent demand items?

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Ivette

3 months ago

Seriously, who uses a Re-Order Point system these days? MRP is the way to go, hands down.

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Alysa

3 months ago

Haha, I bet Claudio is still using a rotary phone to place those orders!

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Ashlyn

3 months ago

A) Suppliers are unable to view current stock levels. That could lead to supply chain issues.

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Yuki

4 months ago

D) It does not work with forecasts. That's a big problem in an unpredictable market.

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Vincenza

4 months ago

B) It cannot be used with independent demand items. That's a significant limitation for many businesses.

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Raul

4 months ago

C) It is a manual system that takes longer to raise orders. That's a major drawback in today's fast-paced world.

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Lizbeth

4 months ago

I’m leaning towards option D since ROP seems to focus more on current stock levels rather than forecasts, but I could be wrong.

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Francoise

4 months ago

I feel like we had a practice question about this, and I think it mentioned that ROP might struggle with independent demand items.

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Dexter

4 months ago

I’m not entirely sure, but I think one disadvantage could be that ROP is more manual and might take longer to process orders compared to MRP.

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Oliva

5 months ago

I remember discussing how ROP systems are more straightforward, but I think they might lack the forecasting capabilities that MRP systems have.

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Maybelle

5 months ago

I remember learning that a ROP system is best for independent demand items, not dependent demand. So option B seems like the right answer here.

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Nu

5 months ago

Wait, I'm a bit confused. Isn't a ROP system manual while MRP is automated? I'll have to double-check that detail before the exam.

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Alex

5 months ago

Okay, I've got this. The disadvantage is that a ROP system doesn't work with forecasts, unlike an MRP system. I'm confident I can explain that in the exam.

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Lillian

5 months ago

C is definitely a downside, it slows things down.

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Dierdre

6 months ago

I lean towards B. ROP isn't great for independent demand items.

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Jerrod

6 months ago

A is a big issue too, suppliers need that info!

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Laurel

6 months ago

Hmm, I think the key here is understanding the limitations of a ROP system compared to MRP. I'll need to review my notes on the pros and cons of each approach.

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