Career as Production Planner
A career as a production planner offers lucrative opportunities in India due to the increasing number of projects across various industrial sectors, particularly in IT and construction. The Economic Times has reported that India is expected to generate more than 7 million project management jobs between 2017 and 2027, highlighting the immense potential for project coordinators in the country.
As a production planner, your responsibilities revolve around overseeing equipment, labor requirements, and preparing status and performance reports. Your role is crucial in ensuring smooth and efficient production processes, meeting project deadlines, and optimizing resources. The demand for production planners has been on the rise due to globalization. Companies across industries recognize the importance of efficient production planning to stay competitive in the global market. Prominent companies such as Genpact, Wipro Technologies Ltd., Ernst & Young, and JP Morgan Chase are actively recruiting production planners.
In terms of salary, the average range for a production planner in the early stages of their career is between INR 5 lakhs per annum (LPA) to INR 8 LPA. However, it's important to note that salaries can vary based on factors such as the size and nature of the company, the candidate's qualifications and experience, and the location of the job.
To pursue a career as a production planner, individuals should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent organizational and time management abilities, and a solid understanding of production processes and project management principles. Additionally, gaining relevant certifications or pursuing further education in operations management or supply chain management can enhance job prospects and open up opportunities for career growth.
In conclusion, the field of production planning offers promising career prospects in India, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in various industries. With the right skills, qualifications, and experience, individuals can embark on a rewarding career path as production planners and contribute to the success of organizations in the ever-evolving business landscape.
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Eligibility Criteria
To pursue a career as a production planner, there are certain educational qualifications and certifications that can enhance your prospects and credibility in the field. Here are the key requirements:
- Undergraduate or Diploma in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field: Having a solid educational foundation is important for a career in production planning. A degree or diploma in business management, supply chain management, operations management, or a similar field provides the necessary knowledge and understanding of key principles and concepts related to production and operations.
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) accreditation: Obtaining the CPIM certification is highly beneficial for production planners. Offered by APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management), CPIM is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual's knowledge and expertise in produ...
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- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Communication
- Capacity Planning
- Time Management and Organization
Types of Job Roles
Production planners play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of production processes. Their responsibilities go beyond simply developing schedules; they are responsible for various tasks that contribute to the overall productivity and success of the manufacturing operations. Here are some key responsibilities and duties of production planners:
- Developing production schedules: Production planners are responsible for creating daily or weekly production schedules that outline the sequence and timing of manufacturing activities. They consider factors such as available resources, production capacity, and customer demand to create optimal schedules that meet production deadlines.
- Material, equipment, and labor coordination: Production planners determine the material, equipment, and labor requirements for each production order. They ensure that all necessary resources are available in the right quantities and at the right time to support the production schedule. This includes coordinating with procurement teams to monitor material supply flow, identifying any shortages or bottlenecks, and resolving inventory-related issues.
- Quality control and performance evaluation: Production planners are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the quality of production processes and products. They work closely with quality assurance teams to address any issues related to product quality and production efficiency. They also track and analyze production performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement appropriate measures to enhance productivity.
- Market analysis and forecasting: Production planners stay updated with market trends and conduct competitor analysis to forecast potential challenges and opportunities. By understanding market demands and industry trends, they can make informed decisions regarding production strategies and resource allocation to meet customer requirements.
- Reporting and deadline management: Production planners generate reports based on production findings, performance metrics, and project expectations. These reports provide insights into production efficiency, resource utilization, and areas of improvement. They also manage production deadlines, ensuring that projects are completed within the specified timeframes and align with customer expectations.
- Workflow coordination: Production planners coordinate the workflow for one or multiple products, ensuring that all production activities are properly sequenced and synchronized. They determine the manpower, equipment, and raw material requirements necessary to meet production demand and optimize productivity.
Admission
After completing their 12th or equivalent examination, candidates who aspire to become production planners can pursue various courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here's a breakdown of the preparation process at each level:
Undergraduate (UG) Level Preparation:
- Choose Relevant Management Courses: Candidates can opt for management courses such as BBA in Operation Management or Bachelor in Management Studies to build a strong foundation in the field of production planning. These courses cover essential subjects like operations management, supply chain management, and logistics.
- Maintain a Strong Academic Record: It is crucial for aspirants to focus on their academics and aim for a high aggregate score. Maintaining a score of 60-65% or above can improve their chances of receiving offers from top companies during the placement drive.
- Seek Internship Opportunities: During their undergraduate degree, candidates should actively seek internship opportunities in relevant industries. Internships provide valuable practical experience and allow individuals to understand the workings of production processes, supply chains, and inventory management. It also helps in building a professional network.
- Prepare for PG Level Entrance Exams: Aspirants should simultaneously prepare for postgraduate (PG) level entrance exams like CAT (Common Admission Test), MAT (Management Aptitude Test), XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test), etc. These exams are essential for admission to reputable PG management programs and can open up better career prospects for future production planners.
Postgraduate (PG) Level Preparation:
- Opt for Specialized PG Programs: After completing their undergraduate degree, candidates can pursue specialized postgraduate programs like MBA in Operations Management or Master's in Industrial Engineering. These programs provide in-depth knowledge and skills specific to production planning and management.
- Prepare for Entrance Exams: Aspirants must focus on preparing for PG level entrance exams to secure admission into esteemed institutions offering specialized programs in operations management. They should be well-versed in the exam pattern, syllabus, and practice previous years' question papers to improve their performance.
- Enhance Skills and Knowledge: Apart from academic preparation, candidates can enhance their skills and knowledge in production planning by attending workshops, seminars, and industry-specific training programs. This helps them stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in the field.
- Gain Industry Experience: While pursuing their PG degree, candidates should actively seek internships or part-time jobs in the industry to gain practical exposure and hands-on experience in production planning. This experience is highly valued by employers and can strengthen their career prospects.
Exam
To become a production planner, it is important to have a strong understanding of various subjects related to manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and business operations. Here are some key subjects that aspiring production planners should consider studying:
- Operations Management: This subject focuses on the design, planning, and control of production processes to ensure efficient and effective operations. It covers topics such as process analysis, capacity planning, quality management, and lean manufacturing principles.
- Supply Chain Management: Supply chain management involves the coordination of activities from the procurement of raw materials to the delivery of finished products to customers. This subject covers topics such as inventory management, demand forecasting, logistics, supplier management, and distribution.
- Industrial Engineering: Industrial engineering focuses on optimizing complex systems and processes to improve productivity, efficiency, and quality. Topics covered may include work measurement, production planning and control, production scheduling, and facility layout design.
- Materials Management: This subject deals with the planning, procurement, storage, and control of materials used in production. It covers topics such as material requirements planning (MRP), inventory management, purchasing, and supplier relationship management.
- Quality Management: Quality management is crucial in production planning to ensure that products meet customer requirements and adhere to quality standards. It involves techniques such as statistical process control, quality improvement methodologies, and quality assurance.
- Business and Financial Management: Understanding business and financial principles is important for production planners as they need to make decisions considering cost-effectiveness and profitability. Subjects such as finance, accounting, and business strategy provide a foundation in these areas.
- Data Analysis and Forecasting: Production planners often analyze data and use forecasting techniques to make informed decisions about production levels, inventory requirements, and demand patterns. Courses in statistics, data analysis, and forecasting methods can be beneficial.
- Information Systems and Technology: Proficiency in using software and technology tools for production planning and control is essential. Subjects like enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, supply chain software, and database management provide knowledge in this area.
- Communication and Leadership: Effective communication and leadership skills are important for coordinating with different teams, resolving conflicts, and managing production timelines. Courses or workshops on communication, teamwork, and leadership can enhance these skills.
Prep Books
"Practical Guide to Production Planning & Control" by Kerwin Mathew and "Production Planning and Control" are both highly recommended prep books for individuals aspiring to excel in the field of production planning and control. These books provide comprehensive coverage of the essential concepts, strategies, and techniques used in the industry.
- "Practical Guide to Production Planning & Control" by Kerwin Mathew: This book offers a practical approach to production planning and control, providing readers with the necessary tools and techniques to effectively manage the production process. It covers various aspects such as demand forecasting, capacity planning, material requirement planning, scheduling, and inventory management. The book also emphasizes the integration of technology and software systems for efficient production management. It is structured in a reader-friendly manner, with case studies and real-world examples to enhance understanding and application.
- "Production Planning and Control": This book is a comprehensive guide that covers all the key aspects of production planning and control. It provides an in-depth understanding of the concepts and principles involved in managing production activities. The book covers topics such as production forecasting, aggregate planning, master production scheduling, shop floor control, and quality management. It also discusses the role of information systems and technology in supporting production planning and control processes. The book includes practical examples, illustrations, and exercises to reinforce the learning experience.
Both of these prep books are highly regarded for their clarity, practicality, and relevance in the field of production planning and control. They offer valuable insights and strategies to optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and meet customer demands. By studying these books, aspiring professionals can acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their careers in production planning and control.
FAQ's
The fee varies from institute to institute. The average fee of BBA in production and operations management ranges Rs. 5000 to Rs. 500,000 per annum.
A Production Planner can progress to roles with greater responsibilities, such as Senior Production Planner, Production Manager, or Supply Chain Manager. They could also specialize in specific industries or aspects of production planning, such as demand forecasting or capacity optimization.
Production Planners must be skilled at problem-solving and quick decision-making. When disruptions occur, they assess the situation, identify the root cause, and collaborate with relevant teams to find alternative solutions. This might involve reallocating resources, adjusting schedules, or expediting orders.
