May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
22 minute read
Production planning is the process of strategizing and organizing the resources, activities, and schedules necessary to manufacture goods or deliver services. At its core, it's about determining what to produce, how much to produce, when to produce it, and what resources are needed to achieve these goals efficiently and cost-effectively. This field is crucial for any organization involved in creating products, as it directly impacts profitability, customer satisfaction, and overall operational success.
Working in production planning can be a dynamic and engaging experience. Imagine being the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring all instruments (or in this case, resources, machines, and personnel) work in harmony to create a beautiful symphony (the final product). It involves a blend of analytical thinking, problem-solving, and often, the use of sophisticated software to optimize processes. The ability to see a plan come to fruition, resulting in tangible products that meet customer demand, can be incredibly rewarding. Furthermore, production planning often requires collaboration across various departments, such as sales, procurement, and logistics, making it a role with significant organizational impact.
Introduction to Production Planning
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Reading list
We've selected 25 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Production Planning.
Focuses on production planning specifically within the latest SAP S/4HANA system, covering contemporary topics like demand-driven replenishment and predictive MRP. It is highly relevant for professionals and advanced students interested in modern ERP applications in production planning. Provides insights into contemporary practices.
Written by the creator of the Toyota Production System, this book foundational text on lean manufacturing principles, which have significantly influenced modern production planning. It provides historical context and a deep understanding of waste reduction and efficiency. This is considered a classic and a must-read for anyone interested in the origins of lean.
A widely used textbook in undergraduate and graduate programs, this book provides a comprehensive overview of operations management, including significant coverage of production planning, inventory management, and scheduling. It valuable reference tool and is often used as a core textbook, solidifying understanding of fundamental concepts. The book offers breadth across various operations topics.
This textbook offers a comprehensive and up-to-date look at production planning and control techniques, including case studies to illustrate practical applications in industrial settings. It is suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and practicing professionals, helping to solidify understanding through real-world examples. The book covers both theoretical essentials and practical skills.
Given the mention of SAP in the course titles, this book provides a practical guide to production planning and control within the SAP ERP system. It is highly relevant for those interested in the application of production planning principles in a widely used enterprise software. Useful as a reference for SAP users.
Covers the essential principles of manufacturing planning and control (MPC) within the context of supply chain management. It valuable resource for understanding how production planning integrates with broader supply chain strategies. This widely recognized text in the field, suitable for both students and practitioners.
A more concise version of Heizer and Render's 'Operations Management', this book still provides a strong introduction to the core principles of operations, including essential elements of production planning. It's suitable for undergraduate students looking for a broad understanding. Often used as a textbook.
This textbook provides a broad overview of production and operations management, with a focus on quantitative methods. It good choice for students who want to learn the mathematical foundations of production planning.
Business novel that provides an accessible introduction to the concepts of bottlenecks and the Theory of Constraints, which are fundamental to understanding production planning and scheduling. It's an excellent starting point for those new to the field, offering a broad understanding through an engaging narrative rather than dense technical explanations. It is highly recommended for gaining background knowledge.
Considered a classic in the field, this book provides a deep dive into inventory management and its close relationship with production planning and scheduling. It comprehensive reference for students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of these core areas. While an older edition is referenced, the fundamental concepts remain highly relevant.
This handbook offers a detailed look at production scheduling principles, advanced tools, and innovative scheduling systems. It valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of scheduling, a critical part of production planning. Suitable for advanced students and practitioners.
This guide provides practical insights into the Oliver Wight master planning and scheduling methodology, a widely recognized framework in industry. It valuable resource for practitioners and leaders seeking to implement best practices in their organizations. Focuses on a specific, influential methodology.
Materials management critical component of production planning, and this book provides a thorough introduction to the topic, including MRP and inventory control. It foundational text for understanding the flow of materials in a manufacturing environment. Useful for gaining prerequisite knowledge.
This widely respected textbook covers the strategic, planning, and operational aspects of supply chain management, with significant connections to production planning decisions. It helps to contextualize production planning within the broader business strategy. A valuable resource for both students and professionals.
Building on the principles of the Toyota Production System, this book articulates the core concepts of lean thinking and its application across various industries. It provides a philosophical foundation for optimizing production processes and eliminating waste. A foundational text for understanding lean.
Following up on 'The Goal,' this book provides a more in-depth explanation of the Theory of Constraints, a management philosophy that is highly relevant to optimizing production flow and identifying bottlenecks. It is useful for deepening one's understanding of production system improvement. Builds upon the concepts introduced in 'The Goal'.
Provides a detailed look at planning and scheduling applications in both manufacturing and service industries. It covers various scheduling models and techniques, making it a valuable resource for those specializing in this area. Suitable for more advanced students and researchers.
Focuses on Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II), an expansion of MRP that includes other resources like labor and machinery. It key text for understanding the evolution of production planning systems and their integration. It provides a historical and foundational perspective on modern ERP systems.
While broader than just production planning, this book provides essential context by explaining how production planning fits into the larger supply chain. Understanding the supply chain is crucial for effective production planning. It good resource for gaining a broad understanding of the interconnectedness of business functions.
Production planning often utilizes quantitative methods and optimization techniques. provides a comprehensive introduction to operations research, which is highly relevant for understanding the mathematical models used in production planning and scheduling. Useful for those interested in the analytical aspects.
Focuses on production planning and scheduling specifically in environments with lot processing, such as semiconductor manufacturing. It explores contemporary topics and advanced techniques relevant to specific industrial settings. Useful for those interested in specialized areas of production planning.
This pocket guide provides a practical overview of the tools and techniques used in Lean Six Sigma, a methodology often applied to improve production processes and efficiency. It can be a useful reference for implementing process improvements related to production planning. More of a practical reference than a comprehensive text.
Provides a case study of how lean manufacturing was implemented in a developing country. It good choice for students who want to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of implementing lean in different contexts.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/vxi25a/production
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