Process planning is essential in project management, particularly in manufacturing, to establish the sequence of steps from sourcing materials to creating a finished product. It differs from project planning, which defines specific actions for each process. Process planning software is commonly used in businesses.
Process planning is a key element in project management that focuses on selecting resources for use in executing and completing a project. In a manufacturing setting, this aspect of planning also includes establishing the general sequence of steps that begin with sourcing materials and end with creating a finished product. Process planning is often closely associated with project planning, although the specific functions of each tool are used differently in overall strategic planning.
While process and project planning are necessary to give shape and focus to any project, each procedure addresses specific needs. Process planning helps create the overall process needed to achieve an end goal, such as creating a product or developing a marketing campaign. Project planning examines each of the steps or processes identified in process planning and defines the specific actions that must occur for each of the processes to be completed successfully. In a sense, a process plan provides the structure for a procedure, while a project plan provides the specifics of how to complete each step or process required to achieve the desired result.
Process planning is not a new concept. The strategy has been used in business circles for centuries. Private and non-profit organizations often use this same type of planning when structuring a new project or policy. While the amount of detail involved depends greatly on the scope of the project and the culture of the company or entity conducting the project, planning works in virtually any environment where a group of people want to determine how to achieve a specific goal.
In a manufacturing setting, this type of planning can also address concerns related to the steps identified as necessary to create a product. For example, the plan could also address issues such as packaging design or labeling of the final product, as well as creating user instructions that accompany each unit sold.
Today, the use of process planning software is common in small businesses and large corporations. Sometimes a component of a comprehensive project management software package, it is also possible to purchase computer-aided process planning software to complement other systems. Along with off-the-shelf products, it’s not uncommon for companies to develop in-house software to help with this task. Proprietary software is especially useful when the company’s operation involves the use of data or procedures that do not fit well in generic software programs.
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