Procurement Glossary
Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP): Strategic capacity planning in Procurement
November 19, 2025
Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) is a strategic planning process for the rough assessment of available capacities in the supply chain. This method enables purchasing organizations to identify bottlenecks at an early stage and initiate countermeasures in good time. Find out below what exactly RCCP means, which process steps are required and how you can successfully implement this planning method.
Key Facts
- RCCP is carried out at an aggregated level and considers capacities in rough time periods
- The method identifies critical resources and potential bottlenecks at an early stage
- RCCP forms the basis for more detailed capacity planning
- Typical planning horizons extend over 6-18 months
- Planning usually takes place at product family or supplier level
Contents
What is Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP)?
RCCP is a planning process for roughly estimating the required and available capacities in procurement and production.
Basic features of RCCP
The process works with aggregated data and rough estimates to quickly obtain an overview of capacity planning. Product groups, supplier categories and time periods are considered together.
- Use of historical consumption data and forecasts
- Consideration of critical resources and bottleneck factors
- Integration with the Master Production Schedule
RCCP vs. detailed planning
In contrast to the detailed planning of purchasing capacities, RCCP works with simplified assumptions and longer planning cycles. The method serves as a preliminary stage for more detailed planning procedures.
Importance of RCCP in Procurement
For purchasing organizations, RCCP enables early identification of supply bottlenecks and supports strategic decisions on supplier diversification. The method contributes to purchasing optimization by enabling timely capacity adjustments.
Process steps and responsibilities
RCCP is implemented in structured steps that enable systematic capacity assessment.
Data collection and preparation
The first step involves collecting relevant planning data from various sources. This involves combining demand forecasts, supplier capacities and historical consumption data.
- Extraction of data from ERP systems and demand planning
- Evaluation of supplier capacities and availabilities
- Definition of planning time windows
Capacity balancing and analysis
The second step involves a systematic capacity comparison with suppliers. This involves comparing requirements with available capacities and identifying deviations.
Action planning and implementation
Specific capacity adjustment measures are developed based on the results of the analysis. This can include the activation of security capacities or the search for alternative suppliers.
Tacto Intelligence
Combines deep procurement knowledge with the most powerful AI agents for strong Procurement.
Important KPIs for Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP)
Measuring the success of RCCP requires specific key figures that evaluate the quality and effectiveness of planning.
Planning accuracy and deviations
The accuracy of the capacity forecasts is measured by comparing the planned capacities with the capacities actually required. Typical target values are a deviation of less than 15% for aggregated planning.
- Forecast Accuracy Rate (FAR) for capacity forecasts
- Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of planning deviations
- Number of planning revisions per period
Delivery performance and availability
Delivery date commitments and adherence to them are key indicators of success. The available-to-promise rate shows the reliability of capacity planning.
Efficiency of planning processes
The efficiency of RCCP processes is measured by throughput times and resource consumption. Degrees of automation and the quality of forecast management are further important indicators for process optimization.
Risks, dependencies and countermeasures
When using RCCP, various risks can arise that impair the quality of planning.
Data quality and forecast accuracy
Insufficient data quality leads to incorrect capacity assessments and wrong strategic decisions. Outdated or incomplete supplier data further exacerbates this problem.
- Implementation of robust data validation procedures
- Regular updating of supplier capacities
- Use of several forecasting methods for validation
Planning complexity and resource requirements
The complexity of RCCP processes can lead to excessive demands on the planning organization. Insufficient resources for parameter maintenance significantly impair planning quality.
Supplier dependencies and flexibility
High dependencies on individual suppliers increase the risk of capacity bottlenecks. The schedule deviation analysis helps to identify critical dependencies at an early stage and to develop alternative procurement strategies.
.avif)
Practical example
An automotive supplier implements RCCP for planning its electronic components. The company analyzes the capacities of its three main semiconductor suppliers on a monthly basis and compares them with the demand forecasts from the Master Production Schedule. Critical bottlenecks are identified 6 months in advance, enabling timely negotiations on additional capacity or alternative suppliers.
- Reduction of supply bottlenecks by 40% through early detection
- Improvement in planning accuracy to 85% through systematic data analysis
- Optimization of the supplier base through data-based capacity assessment
Current developments and effects
Digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing the application of RCCP.
AI-supported capacity planning
Modern AI algorithms enable more precise forecasts and automated adjustments to capacity planning. Machine learning processes analyze complex patterns in historical data and continuously improve planning accuracy.
- Automated demand sensing processes
- Predictive analytics for supplier capacities
- Real-time adjustment of planning parameters
Integration with S&OP processes
RCCP is increasingly being integrated into comprehensive sales and operations planning cycles. This holistic approach enables better coordination between sales, production and Procurement.
Agile planning approaches
Shorter planning cycles and flexible adjustment mechanisms are becoming increasingly important. Companies are implementing agile RCCP processes that enable rapid responses to market changes and strengthen exception management.
Conclusion
Rough Cut Capacity Planning is an indispensable tool for strategic capacity planning in Procurement. The method enables early detection of bottlenecks and supports well-founded decisions on supplier strategy. With increasing digitalization and the use of AI technologies, RCCP is becoming even more precise and efficient. However, successful implementation requires high-quality data and systematic processes.
FAQ
What distinguishes RCCP from detailed planning?
RCCP works with aggregated data and rough time periods, while detailed planning looks at detailed capacities at item and daily level. RCCP serves as a strategic preliminary stage for detailed operational planning and focuses on medium-term capacity trends.
What data is required for RCCP?
Demand forecasts, historical consumption data, supplier capacities and throughput times are required. Information on seasonal fluctuations, planned maintenance times and strategic product changes is also required.
How often should RCCP be performed?
The frequency depends on the industry and product complexity. Monthly or quarterly planning cycles are typical. In volatile markets, weekly updates can also be useful in order to be able to react quickly to changes.
What role does RCCP play in the digital transformation?
RCCP benefits significantly from digital technologies such as AI and machine learning. These enable automated data analyses, more precise forecasts and real-time adjustments to planning parameters, which significantly improves planning quality and efficiency.
.png)
.png)
.png)
