Why is production control important?

Production control is used to identify and trigger all measures required to execute production. It follows directly after the definitions laid out in production planning and represents the final stage in the Production Planning and Control (PPC) system. It marks the transition from planning (immaterial phase) to execution (material phase).

Production control is based on key performance indicators such as:

• Production output
• Delivery reliability
• Forecasts

If necessary, planning measures are initiated immediately—such as:

• Production increases
• Announcement of extended delivery times
• Production transfers

Tasks of production control:

• Definition and structuring of production orders
• Detailed scheduling (fine planning)
• Production controlling and execution monitoring
• Identifying deviations between planned and actual performance

Objectives:

• Timely completion of all orders
• Consistent productivity
• Flexibility, e.g., maintaining safety stock levels
• Efficient use of storage capacities (high inventory turnover)
• Workplace safety

All in all, production control is a key element of production management.