
Key Aims and Functions of the Production Department
In most manufacturing firms, the production department is split into several sub-functions, each with its specific aims:
- Production and Planning Department: This sub-function focuses on setting targets and standards for every production stage. By monitoring the quantity and quality of outputs, it ensures the products meet the required specifications. For companies adopting lean production techniques, the responsibility of quality control is distributed among all employees throughout the production process, as opposed to businesses where only the final output is inspected for quality.
- Purchasing Department: The purchasing team ensures that materials, equipment, and components are delivered on time and of the right quality. This function is essential to prevent any bottlenecks in the production process, as it helps maintain a steady supply of inputs, ensuring continuous operations.
- Stores Department: Managing inventories, such as tools, raw materials, and spare parts, is the primary focus of this sub-function. Computerised stock control systems often help minimise inventory while ensuring that necessary stocks are available. When suppliers are unreliable, buffer stocks are maintained to avoid disruptions in production.
- Design and Technical Support Department: This department is responsible for research, product development, and cost estimation for producing goods. It also oversees the design of new production methods and prototypes, from inception to final output. The technical support team often works to identify how production processes can be refined, offering improvements that boost overall efficiency.
- Works Department: This is the heart of the manufacturing process, handling the actual production of goods. This department also ensures that equipment is maintained and that any necessary repairs are carried out promptly to avoid disruptions. In some companies, the works department also manages quality control.
The Importance of Quality in Production
Quality is a crucial aim of the Aims and Functions of the Production Department. It ensures that products are fit for purpose, meaning that they perform as expected. Businesses strive to integrate quality control into every production stage. For instance, companies like Leyland utilise Total Quality Management (TQM), where every employee is responsible for monitoring and ensuring quality. This approach helps minimise waste, improve efficiency, and maximise the value of the final product.
The Role of Total Quality Management
TQM is a modern production philosophy that aims to enhance quality by embedding quality checks within each step of the production process. Unlike traditional methods where quality is inspected at the end, TQM demands that every worker takes accountability for quality, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This approach is especially critical in lean production environments, where waste reduction and efficiency are top priorities.
Integration Between Production and Marketing
The Aims and Functions of the Production Department are not limited to internal efficiency but also involve a close relationship with the marketing department. The two must collaborate seamlessly to meet customer demands. Marketing identifies what customers need, while production translates these requirements into market-ready products. This relationship ensures that businesses can deliver products that meet consumer expectations, driving competitiveness.
Conclusion
The Aims and Functions of the Production Department cover a wide range of responsibilities, from managing raw materials to ensuring final products are fit for purpose. By splitting production into sub-functions like planning, purchasing, and technical support, companies can streamline their processes, improve efficiency, and maintain high-quality standards. The integration with marketing ensures that the products produced are aligned with market demands, while TQM helps instil a continuous improvement ethos throughout the production stages. This coordinated approach not only boosts productivity but also enhances the overall competitiveness of the business.