Industrial Production Planning and Control Fundamentals

Efficient manufacturing relies on precise coordination, realistic scheduling, and optimal resource allocation. Understanding how to align market demand with factory capacity is a critical skill for any aspiring industrial engineer or operations manager. This text-based course guides you through the foundational pillars of Production Planning and Control (PPC). You will learn how to translate raw forecasting data into actionable master production schedules, manage inventory levels effectively, and navigate the practical limitations of traditional planning models using modern, demand-driven strategies. What you'll learn: - Understand the core phases of production planning, from long-term aggregate planning to short-term scheduling - Calculate capacity requirements and balance workloads across manufacturing work centers - Apply inventory management techniques to minimize holding costs while avoiding stockouts - Create realistic Master Production Schedules (MPS) based on forecasting and demand signals - Identify the limitations of traditional MRP systems and explore modern demand-driven planning alternatives - Analyze production workflows to identify bottlenecks and implement continuous flow improvements The course begins with essential terminology and the structural framework of industrial systems before moving into forecasting, capacity calculation, and detailed scheduling methodologies. You will explore practical scenarios and written exercises designed to build your operational decision-making skills. This course is designed for beginners, engineering students, and operations professionals looking for a structured introduction to production management. No prior experience in industrial engineering is required. Start reading today to master the mechanics of efficient industrial production.