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The planning horizon in supply chain management refers to the period for which a plan extends into the future. This concept is crucial because it determines how far in advance supply chain activities are scheduled, impacting inventory levels, production schedules, and transportation plans. A longer planning horizon allows for more comprehensive planning but may also introduce more uncertainty regarding market conditions, demand, and supply factors.

The other options relate to specific elements of supply chain operations but do not define the scope of the planning horizon itself. The maximum lead time for shipping products focuses on logistics and transit aspects, while the time to sell all produced items is related to sales performance and inventory turnover. Lastly, the duration of inventory replenishment cycles pertains to how frequently inventory is restocked rather than the overall planning timeframe. Understanding the planning horizon is essential for effective supply chain management, as it shapes decision-making and strategy alignment across the entire supply chain.