Production is a scientific process which involves transformation of raw material (input) into desired product or service (output) by adding economic value. For efficient, effective and economical operation in a manufacturing unit of an organization, it is essential to integrate the production planning and control system. Production planning and subsequent production control follow adaption of product design and finalization of a production process.

Production planning and control address a fundamental problem of low productivity, inventory management, and resource utilization. Production planning and control are essential for customer delight and overall success of an organization. Production Planning is required for scheduling, dispatch, inspection, quality management, inventory management, supply management, and equipment management. Production control ensures that production team can achieve required production target, optimum utilization of resources, quality management, and cost savings.

Production Planning is one aspect of Production Planning and Control dealing with basic concepts of what to produce, when to produce, how much to produce, etc. It involves taking a long-term view at overall production planning. A well thought Production Planning ensures that overall production process is streamlined providing following benefits:

Organization can deliver a product in a timely and regular manner.

Supplier are informed well in advance for the requirement of raw materials.

Always keep in mind the following questions to make Production Planning & Control decisions:

•What should we produce, how much, and when?

•How much can we produce?

•How much do we have and how much do we need?

When should we produce?