What does a Production Planner do?
Published 4 min read
A production planner is responsible for the coordination and management of production activities in a manufacturing or industrial organization. They develop production schedules, monitor progress, and ensure that products are produced on time and within budget. Production planners also work closely with other departments such as purchasing, engineering, and quality control to ensure that all aspects of production are running smoothly.
Production Planner job duties include:
- Develop and implement production plans that ensure efficient use of resources and meet customer demand
- Coordinate production activities with other functional areas, such as purchasing, materials, and engineering
- Analyze production specifications and processes to determine optimum worker utilization
- Determine root causes of production problems and recommend corrective actions
- Monitor production performance against plans and take necessary action to ensure attainment of objectives
- Investigate new methods of production planning and make recommendations for improvements
- Prepare reports on progress of production plans and present to management
- Manage inventory levels to ensure that materials are available when needed
- Develop schedules for the introduction of new products
Production Planner Job Requirements
Most production planners have a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or supply chain management. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master's degree or certification in production and inventory management. Production planners typically have several years of experience working in production, manufacturing, or inventory management.
Production Planner Skills
- Analytical skills
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Decision-making skills
- Project management skills
- Time management skills
- Stress management skills
- Critical thinking skills
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How to become a Production Planner
A Production Planner is a professional who ensures that manufacturing processes are carried out in an efficient and timely manner. They work closely with engineers, production managers, and other personnel to create schedules and coordinate the various stages of production. In order to become a Production Planner, one must have strong organizational and communication skills. They must also be able to think critically and problem-solve.
The first step to becoming a Production Planner is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field. Many Production Planners also have a master’s degree in business administration or engineering management. Once you have obtained your degree, it is important to gain experience in the manufacturing industry. This can be done through internships or entry-level positions.
After gaining experience, the next step is to obtain certification from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). This certification will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the role of Production Planner.
Once you have experience and certification, you will be ready to apply for jobs as a Production Planner. To be successful in this role, you must be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. You must also be able to effectively communicate with other members of the production team.
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