In order to have defined processes and known time of operation, a company needs to implement production control. In addition to helping manage these activities, this method aims to define what the business will produce and with which resources. It also defines the sequence between flows, monitoring and correction of deviations.
In short, the advantages of production control include creating a workflow by standardizing the company’s products. If well done, this process will achieve better selling results, reducing waste and production bottlenecks.
If you are interested in the subject and want to know how production control works in practice, along with its benefits and steps, keep reading this article. You can also take a look into Polyexcel blog to learn more.
Benefits of implementing production control
As already mentioned, production planning and control is a process implemented to facilitate the work routine of a company. Its benefits include the organization of raw materials, the improvement in the flow of the production line and the reduction of inventory. All of this results in a higher quality of the final product.
Production control solutions also help organize manufacturing schedules, lowering operating costs. They make it possible for the industry to monitor its production more closely and efficiently.
What are the steps that need to be taken?
Although this process involves a series of activities that are not equal for all companies, there is “step by step” structure that can be followed in order to have successful control solutions. Check it below.
Demand forecasting
This step of production control how much the company has to sell to calculate the demand for materials, production and human resources. When it comes to inventory, demand forecasting brings short-term results. In the medium and long term, it involves the development of new products.
Production capacity planning
After defining the long-term demand forecast, it becomes necessary to plan production capacity, increasing or decreasing the production practice to meet demand. That means checking if it will be necessary to hire more people and acquire new machines, or if it is necessary to reduce the workforce.
Aggregate production planning
One of the types of production control, this step determines which is the best manufacturing strategy for the company. The aggregate production planning includes decisions related to hiring and firing employees, production volume and work overtime.
Production master planning
Here the focus is on short-term production control plans and in an operationalized manner. In the production master planning, resources need to produce the right amount to meet a period’s demand. With more details than the aggregate production planning, it also considers open orders in production.
Detailed production scheduling
It is at this stage that the company begins, in fact, its routines and activities on the shop floor. To do this, it is necessary to know the exact quantity of materials, rely on inventory management and define the process sequence. It is also essential to seek the necessary documentation to start operations.
Production control
This is the last stage of the process. It is when the monitoring and the measurement of the processes performed in the previous steps takes place. The production control goal is to check manufacturing performance and make adjustments, if necessary. With this control, it is easier to track processes and improve quality.
What changes with the emergence of COVID-19?
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 changed the routine of companies. Among the new habits are home office work, cancellation of events and trips. However, these are not the only ways to overcome the crisis, as new strategies for development have appeared in this context.
Development of new products
See if you can do something different with the features you already have. If you can’t do anything, seek knowledge to enhance the production of the business. After all, innovation can be an excellent opportunity to seek new horizons in the business of the company.
New opportunities
Every crisis comes with new business opportunities, so seeking knowledge about technological changes, such as industry 4.0, is indispensable. Looking for new suppliers and sales channels also makes all the difference and may be a fertile ground when the crisis passes.
Meet Polyexcel!
Now that you know the elements of production control works, take the opportunity to get to know Polyexcel. For ten years, we have brought high quality solutions to the power and telecommunications wires and cable industry. Check out our polymeric compounds by browsing the sections of our website.
