Objectives of Production Planning and Control: A Quick Guide

PPC refers to the two essential pre-production stages of manufacturing: Planning and Control. They are interdependent, and one cannot function without the other. The former is concerned with organising work tasks and resources, whereas the latter monitors the execution of the plan. To put it in layman’s term, this includes the complete top-to-bottom approach from ordering materials, managing the workforce, setting up machinery, and scheduling to the creation process. PPC is a necessity for manufacturing facilities as it gives them control of the entire operation, prevents setbacks, and gives them a competitive edge.

In our previous write-up, we’ve covered the essential functions of Production Planning & Control. In this narrative, we will unpack the overall objectives.

What are the Objectives of Production Planning and Control?

• Continuous Flow of Production

  The main objective of PPC is to ensure that there’s a continuous flow of material throughout the production process. It is one thing to ensure that the raw materials are continuously available, but another to guarantee that the finished products are flawless. However, when done right, facilities can achieve uninterrupted and smooth movement of products and materials while reducing cost, waste, and delay. Think of this process as a well-oiled machine, when everything is running smoothly it means that there’s no bottle necks, you can improve product quality and keep the customers happy.

• Make Adequate Arrangements to Meet Requirements

  With Production Planning and Control, businesses can be sure that their manufacturing facility has exactly what it needs to run efficiently without any disturbance. This means making arrangement for the complete top-to-bottom process, from making sure that finance is in place, there's enough raw materials, right machinery tools, and manpower to hit the target and boosting productivity. By streamlining the process, manufacturers will not only meet the demand but can also keep their costs in check.

• Schedule Production

  Effective scheduling will make sure that resources are allocated effectively, and the products are made on time and up to the desired quality. The goal of every manufacturing business is to create top-notch products at the lowest possible cost without burning a hole in the pocket. And by optimizing workflow and setting solid schedules, manufacturers can boost creation without increasing the cost, which will help the bottom line. With production planning and control strategies, facilities can review and adjust schedules based on real-time data and trends.

• Maintain Optimal Inventory Level

  In the world of manufacturing, inventory often has a bad rapport, as it takes up space and excess supply ties up cost. Stock-related costs are high up there on the expenses list and excess stock can weigh down the company’s bottom line heavily. Too many resources can lead to cash flow issues, and too little will not meet the demand. With production planning and control, facilities can ensure a consistent flow and inch closer to Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing. With JIT, you can maintain an optimal supply level by producing only what is needed and when it’s required.

• Increase Productivity

  Another significant objective of Production Planning and Control is that it increases productivity by enhancing efficiency and reducing obstacles. When you schedule resources, streamline the process, create a structured workflow, reduce waste, and manage inventory optimally, there’ll be a significant improvement. With PPC, manufacturing facilities can minimize downtime and maximize resource utilization. It’ll eventually lead to a more efficient and responsive creation process.

• Reduce Cost and Improve Profitability

  Effective PPC enables manufacturers to get a complete overview of the creation process, so they can eliminate steps that are inefficient. Having a streamlined manufacturing workflow and an optimized inventory will also significantly reduce the cost as it will minimize waste, downtime, and excess supply. In addition to this, it will also reduce the risk of overproduction and material shortage.

• Improve Customer Satisfaction

  When you have an effective planning and streamlined production strategy, it’ll automatically translate to high-quality products. Good standard products, visibility into manufacturing, and on-time deliveries will help gain customer trust and satisfaction. Today, improving customer satisfaction is the top priority as it’s a customer-focused market where they drive the demand. With advanced planning techniques, facilities can ensure that the products are manufactured on time and of top quality.

The aim of Production Planning and Control is to make sure that the goods are manufactured on time, with high quality, and at a reasonable cost. This is done by effectively managing resources, organising the workforce, & scheduling to meet the goal and market demand. If you are looking to optimize your supply chain planning and overall operation, 3SC is here to help you. Our innovative SCM solutions are designed to give you better visibility, and collaboration among everyone involved, from planning through production & execution. Let us help you transform your business!