MA.5:1 - Problem frame

An operation needs to anticipate demand, material use, capacity and payment timing. Some inputs can be estimated from current orders; others depend on uncertain demand or intended actions. A future resource threshold can matter even when the central workload estimate fits current capacity.

A forecast expresses what is expected under stated conditions. A target expresses an ambition; an authorized resource amount expresses a decision. Their relationship is useful, but one cannot be substituted for another.