Production Planning And Control A Comprehensive Approach Pdf Fixed May 2026
Production Planning and Control — A Comprehensive Approach
Implementation Roadmap (practical, phased)
- Baseline assessment: map current processes, metrics, and pain points.
- Set objectives and KPIs aligned to business goals.
- Cleanse and integrate master data (BOMs, routings, lead times).
- Implement foundational systems (ERP/MRP) and define planning policies.
- Pilot APS/finite scheduling in a production cell.
- Roll out shop-floor control (MES, tracking) and link to planning.
- Establish continuous improvement routines and periodic reviews.
1. Routing (Determining the Path)
Routing defines the precise path a product takes from raw material to finished good. It specifies:
- Sequence of operations (e.g., Cut → Weld → Paint → Assemble)
- Machines to be used (Lathe #4, Oven #2)
- Standard time per operation
Output: Route sheet & operation sheet.
4. Dispatching (Authorizing the Action)
The execution phase. Dispatching releases work orders to the shop floor. It involves issuing: production planning and control a comprehensive approach pdf
- Job cards
- Material requisition slips
- Tool room tickets A dispatcher acts as the air traffic controller of the factory.
5. Follow-Up (Expediting & Correcting)
The control mechanism. Follow-up tracks actual progress against the schedule. Key metrics include: Production Planning and Control — A Comprehensive Approach
- On-Time Delivery (OTD)
- Schedule Adherence
- Work-in-Process (WIP) levels When variance occurs (e.g., machine breakdown), the controller expedites the delayed order or re-schedules lower-priority jobs.
Technology and Systems
- ERP for integrated data and transactional control.
- MRP/APS (Advanced Planning & Scheduling) for detailed planning and optimization.
- MES for real-time execution and traceability.
- APS features: finite capacity, optimization algorithms, scenario simulation.
- Data analytics & BI for forecast accuracy, KPI dashboards, root-cause insights.
- Integration across CAD/BOM, procurement, sales, and logistics is critical.
2. Scheduling (Setting the Timeline)
Scheduling attaches calendar dates to the route. This ranges from high-level master schedules (weeks/months) to detailed shop-floor schedules (hours/minutes). Forward Scheduling: Starts now
- Forward Scheduling: Starts now; calculates finish date.
- Backward Scheduling: Starts from the due date; calculates start time.
- Tools: Gantt Charts, Critical Path Method (CPM), and Theory of Constraints (TOC) drum-buffer-rope.