2. Production Planning may be said to be a
technique of forecasting ahead every step in the
long process of production, taking them at right
time and in the right degree and trying to
complete operations at the maximum efficiency
In the words of Kimball and Kimball Jr –
“The planning of industrial operations involves
four considerations, namely, what work shall
be done, how the work shall be done and
lastly, when the work shall be done.”
3. Production control is the process that keeps a
watchful eye on the production flow and size of
resources along with the location, of any deviation
from the present action and to arrange for the
prompt adjustment so that the production may run
according to the original or revised schedule
In the words of Henry Fayol –
“Production control refers to ensuring that all
which occurs is in accordance with the rules
established and instructions issued.”
4. Inputs like materials, men and machines are
efficiently used
Factors of production are integrated to use
them economically
Division of work is undertaken carefully so that
every available element is properly utilised
Work is regulated from the first stage of
procuring raw materials to the stage of finished
goods
Questions like what, when and how to be
manufactured are decided
5. Determining sequence of operations for
continuous production
Planning plant capacity for future production
programmes
Issuing co-ordinated work schedules to
concerned persons
Maintaining sufficient inventories to support
continuous flow of production
Evaluating performance of workshops
Maintaining production schedules to ensure
delivery at proper time
6. Preparation of production budget
Devising manufacturing methods and sequence of
operations
Deciding type of machines and equipments
Preparation of operation sheets and instruction
cards
Estimating men, machine and material
requirements
Undertaking time and motion studies
Preparing master schedules
7. Production planning and control is important
for the following reasons -
For Increasing Production – Main purpose of
production planning is to arrange inputs.
Production control programme minimises
idleness of men and machines. It thus helps in
raising industrial output.
For co-ordinating plant activity -In planning
production is carried out in a number of
processes and thus activities are synchronized
for smooth working.
8. Sub-dividing the master schedule into
manufacturing and subsidiary orders
Routing
Scheduling
Despatching
Expediting
Tool keeping
9. For Cost Control – A properly planned system
of production will help in controlling costs by
not only making full utilisation of various inputs
but also by increasing output and lowering
overhead expenses per unit.
For Rationalisation of Production Activities –
In production planning, the process of entering
of raw materials and converting them into
finished goods is planned in such a way that
everything is done in sequence or routine. It
regulates flow of inputs to run production
system smoothly
10. Following are the limitations faced by production
planning and control –
Based on Assumptions – Production planning and
control is based on certain assumptions. In case
the assumptions prove correct, the planning and
control will go smoothly. But if they go wrong,
process of planning and control will go weak.
Rigidity – Under production planning and control,
there is rigidity in the behaviour of employees and
it may not help in smoothening flow of work.
11. Difficult for small firms – This process is time
consuming and therefore not affordable for
small firms
Costly – It is a costly device as its
implementation requires separate persons to
perform functions of planning, expediting,
dispatching etc.
Dependence on External Factors – External
factors like natural calamities, change in
technology, government controls etc reduce
effectiveness of production planning.
13. It is the first element of production planning and
control. Planning is deciding in advance what is to
be done in future. An organisational set up is
created to prepare plans and policies. Various
charts, manuals and production budgets are also
prepared. Planning provides a sound base for
control. A separate department is set up for this
work.
14. Routing is determining the exact path which will
be followed in production. It is the selection of
the path from where each unit have to pass
before reaching the final stage. The stages
from which goods are to pass are decided in this
process.
In the words of ALFORD and BEATY –
“Routing is the specification of the flow
sequence of operations and processes to be
followed in producing a particular
manufacturing lot.”
15. The following steps are taken for completing
a routing procedure –
Deciding what part to be made or purchased
Determining Materials required
Determining Manufacturing Operations and
Sequences
Determining of Lot Sizes
Determining of Scrap Factors
Analysis of Cost of the Product
Preparation of Production Control Forms
16. Scheduling is the determining of time and date
when each operation is to be commenced or
completed. The time and date of manufacturing
each component is fixed in such a way that
assembling for final product is not delayed in
any way.
In the words of KIMBALL and KIMBALL –
“The determination of the time that should
be required to perform each operation and
also the time necessary to perform the entire
series, as routed, making allowances for all
factors concerned.”
17. Master Scheduling – It is the breakup of
production requirements. It is the start of
scheduling. It is prepared by keeping in view the
order or likely sales order in near future.
Manufacturing Scheduling – It is used where
production process is continuous. The order of
preference for manufacture is also mentioned in
the schedule for a systematic production
planning.
Detail Operation Scheduling – It indicates the
time required to perform each and every
detailed operations of a given process
18. Despatching refers to the process of actually
ordering the work to be done. It involves putting
the plan into effect by issuing orders. It is
concerned with starting the process and
operation on the basis of route sheets and
schedule charts.
In the words of JOHN A. SHUBIN –
“Despatches put production in effect by
releasing and guiding manufacturing order in
the sequence previously determined by route
sheets and schedules.”
19. Following two procedures may be used for
despatching –
Centralised Despatching – Under this, orders are
directly issued to workmen and machines. It
helps in exercising effective control.
Decentralised Despatching – Under this
procedure all work orders are issued to the
foreman or despatch clerk of the department or
section. It suffers from difficulties in achieving
co-ordination among different departments.
20. “Follow up or expediting is that branch of
production control procedure which regulates
the progress of materials and part through
the production process.”
Follow up Procedure –
Progress may be assessed with the help of
routine reports or communication with operating
departments. The follow up procedure is used
for expediting and checking the progress.
21. Inspection is the process of ensuring whether the
products manufactured are of requisite quality or
not.
Inspection is undertaken both of products and
inputs. It is carried on at various levels of
production process so that pre-determined
standards of quality are achieved.
Inspection ensures the maintenance of pre-
determined quality of products.