can MRP automate the creation of purchase orders

AI generated answer (using internal Slack threads):

Yes, MRP (Material Requirements Planning) in NetSuite can automate the creation of purchase orders. This is done through the generation of planned purchase orders based on the inventory levels at various locations. However, it's important to note that the automation process might require some additional setup and configuration. For instance, if you're dealing with outsourced manufacturing, you might need to generate a Work Order via MRP first, which then leads to the creation of the necessary Purchase Orders. Also, if you have multiple items from the same vendor, MRP might create separate planned purchase orders for each item. But when you convert these planned purchase orders into actual purchase orders, they should be combined by vendor. In addition, MRP can be configured to ignore certain items based on specific parameters on the item record. For example, if an item has a certain status (defined by a custom field on the item record), it can be set to not be considered in MRP calculations. This can be achieved by setting the Replenishment Method to 'Reorder Point' for that particular item. Please note that these functionalities might require the use of additional NetSuite modules like Supply Planning or the Planning Workbench, and might also involve the use of workflows or custom scripts for more complex scenarios. ****** Disclaimer: This response was generated by an artificial intelligence assistant based on previous conversations from multiple Slack channels, and may contain inaccuracies or mistakes. ******