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Manufacturing [Manufacturing & Supply](/ecosystems/manufacturing-supply)MRP / ERP 

# MRP and ERP Systems

Material Requirements Planning and Enterprise Resource Planning systems that orchestrate MedTech production and supply chain.

Reviewed by [Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat Cyber](/authors/christian-espinosa) Last reviewed May 5, 2026 

## Definition

MRP/ERP systems connect demand forecasting,  [BOM](/terms/bom) explosion, supplier scheduling, inventory, lot/serial tracking, and quality holds. In regulated environments they require formal computer system validation. 

What the regulation says

Under FDA 21 CFR Part 820.70(i), automated processes, including Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, must be validated for their  [intended use](/terms/intended-use). Similarly,  [ISO 13485](/terms/iso-13485):2016 clause 4.1.6 requires validation of computer software used in the quality management system. The EU  [MDR](/terms/mdr-reporting) (Regulation (EU) 2017/745) Annex I,  [General Safety and Performance Requirements](/terms/gspr), also implicitly requires control over manufacturing processes, which includes the software systems managing them. 

## What this means in practice

ERP changes (upgrades, configurations) are a frequent source of unexpected QMS impact -  [change control](/terms/change-control) needs to include the ERP layer explicitly. 

## Examples

-   A MedTech company implements a new ERP module for inventory management; this module must be validated to ensure accurate tracking of components, preventing use of expired or non-conforming materials.
-   During an FDA inspection, a manufacturer must provide documented evidence of the validation for their MRP system, demonstrating its ability to correctly manage the Bill of Materials and production orders.
-   An ERP system upgrade changes how lot numbers are assigned; the change control process mandates re-validation of this specific functionality to ensure continued compliance with traceability requirements.

Common pitfalls

-   • A common pitfall is treating an ERP system solely as an IT tool, overlooking its critical role in controlling production and quality processes. 
-   • Failing to involve quality assurance personnel in all stages of ERP system validation and change control can lead to non-compliant operations. 
-   • Not adequately documenting the validation of each ERP module or configuration change can result in audit findings. 
-   • Underestimating the impact of ERP system upgrades on existing validated processes and their associated risks is a frequent mistake. 
-   • Over-reliance on vendor validation data without performing adequate in-house verification specific to the MedTech manufacturer's intended use is a significant oversight. 

## Frequently asked questions

What is the primary regulatory concern with MRP/ERP systems in MedTech? 

The primary concern is ensuring that these systems, when used to control or monitor manufacturing processes and quality records, are validated to demonstrate they consistently produce accurate and reliable results, as required by regulations like FDA 21 CFR Part 820.70(i). 

How often do MRP/ERP systems need to be re-validated? 

Can cloud-based MRP/ERP systems be used in MedTech? 

## Related terms

Grouped by theme 

### Editor's picks

· Hand-selected related concepts 

[

Manufacturing

Lot Traceability

Ability to trace materials, processes, and devices forward and backward through the supply chain by lot number.





](/terms/lot-traceability)[

Manufacturing

Supplier Controls

Procedures to ensure purchased products and services conform to requirements.





](/terms/supplier-controls)

### More in Manufacturing

· Same category 

[

Manufacturing

Bill of Materials(BOM) 

Structured list of every component, sub-assembly, and quantity needed to manufacture a device.





](/terms/bom)[

Manufacturing

Bioburden

Quantification of viable microorganisms on or in a product before sterilization.





](/terms/bioburden)[

Manufacturing

Cleanroom Classes (ISO 14644)

ISO 14644 classification of cleanrooms by airborne particulate cleanliness (ISO 1 through ISO 9).





](/terms/cleanroom-iso-14644)[

Manufacturing

Container Closure Integrity(CCI) 

Demonstration that a sterile package maintains microbial barrier and contents integrity over the labeled shelf life.





](/terms/container-closure)

Cited by

Where this term appears across MedTech Terms.

Ecosystems (1)

-   [Manufacturing & Supply](/ecosystems/manufacturing-supply)

## Primary references

3 sources 

Link health:  3 verified · last checked 2026-06-20 

ISPE· 1 FDA· 1 ISO· 1 

1.  [1 
    
    GAMP 5
    
    Verified 
    
    ISPE · ispe.org 
    
    
    
    ](https://ispe.org/publications/guidance-documents/gamp-5-guide-2nd-edition)
2.  [2 
    
    FDA - Device Manufacturing
    
    Verified 
    
    FDA · fda.gov 
    
    
    
    ](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/postmarket-requirements-devices)
3.  [3 
    
    ISO 13485 Standard Page
    
    Verified 
    
    ISO · iso.org 
    
    
    
    ](https://www.iso.org/iso-13485-medical-devices.html)

Inline markers like \[1\]  jump to the matching reference above.

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On this term

Category

Manufacturing

Acronym

MRP / ERP

Sources

3

Updated

5/5/2026

[Compare with another term](/compare?a=mrp-erp)

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Card Lesson Quiz

Material Requirements Planning and Enterprise Resource Planning systems that orchestrate MedTech production and supply chain.

-   · ERP changes (upgrades, configurations) are a frequent source of unexpected QMS impact - change control needs to include the ERP layer explicitly. 
-   · In regulated environments they require formal computer system validation. 

Remember this

Watch out: A common pitfall is treating an ERP system solely as an IT tool, overlooking its critical role in controlling production and quality processes.

Related terms

-   [Lot Traceability ](/terms/lot-traceability)
-   [Supplier Controls ](/terms/supplier-controls)

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