A production planner plans production processes, requires higher education, on-the-job experience, certification, and familiarity with job-specific computer programs. APICS offers certifications in production and inventory management. Real-world experience is beneficial, and familiarity with material requirements planning (MRP) systems is important.
A production planner is a manufacturing professional who plans production processes for an organization. These professionals are involved with the entire manufacturing process to ensure quality and profitability for an organization, scheduling production staff, testing and approving production materials, addressing discrepancies and improving processes for cost-effective production. To become a production planner, you will typically need some form of higher education, on-the-job experience, certification, and familiarity with job-specific computer programs. Most employers will be open to hiring someone for a production planner position with little or no experience if a candidate has the proper education and understands production systems and processes.
You can usually choose from a number of post-secondary educational programs, such as industrial distribution, supply chain management, or logistics, to help you prepare to become a production planner. While these professions do not have specific educational requirements, employment opportunities will be greater for those who earn a bachelor’s degree in disciplines related to manufacturing or logistics. In some cases, it may even be beneficial for you to pursue a graduate degree to help round out your CV.
Finding part-time or full-time work in a manufacturing or manufacturing environment while earning your degree can provide you with real-world experience. Many professions, such as assemblers, production workers, sorters, packers or loaders, require little or no previous experience, and employers are more likely to hire you if you are studying manufacturing. Finding a position within a manufacturing environment will give you hands-on experience and allow you to understand the production process. You can also apply for internal job openings to become a production planner with your current employer.
Typically, you should familiarize yourself with one or several material requirements planning (MRP) systems. Almost all manufacturing organizations use these software systems to organize production and inventory. This system is a critical tool for production planning and the overall manufacturing process and can improve your skills as you train to become a production planner. Most education programs related to manufacturing and production also offer courses related to these systems.
The Association for Operations Management (APICS) is a respected organization that offers several certifications in production and inventory management. Getting certified will typically increase your chances of becoming a production planner and will allow you to gain valuable insight into production best practices. You will also learn about other careers in manufacturing such as production scheduler, production controller, dispatcher and production manager.
Throughout your education and training, browse Internet task boards and review production planner tasks. This can provide an overview of the responsibilities of these occupations and help understand current industry trends. You can find internships or current job opportunities that are right for you in this industry while studying and training. Understanding the duties and responsibilities related to these careers can also impress a prospective employer.
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