Routing in Production Planning Explained

In the field of production planning and control, understanding key terms is crucial. The term routing plays a significant role in ensuring an efficient manufacturing process.

What is Routing?

Routing refers to the precise determination of the path and sequence of operations that work will follow from raw material to finished product. It establishes the flow of work and defines:

• The specific operations to be performed.
• The order in which these operations must be carried out.
• The machines, workstations, or departments where each operation will take place.
• The standard time required for each operation.

Essentially, a route sheet or a route card is prepared, which is a document detailing the sequence of all operations involved in manufacturing a product or a component. It's like a detailed map for the production process.

Routing and Production Control

Routing is a preliminary step in production control that happens before scheduling and dispatching. It sets the foundation for how work will progress through the factory. Without a clear routing, it would be impossible to effectively schedule work, allocate resources, or track progress. It is a vital part of the overall production planning system.

Analysis of Options for Routing

• Balancing of load on machines: This concept relates to 'loading' or 'capacity planning'. It involves ensuring that the workload is evenly distributed among available machines or work centers to optimize their utilization and avoid bottlenecks. While routing provides information about which machines are needed, load balancing is a separate subsequent activity.
• Authorization of work to be performed: This function is known as 'dispatching'. Dispatching involves issuing orders and instructions for the actual start of work, releasing materials, and authorizing operations to begin according to the production schedule. It's the action of putting the plan (including the route) into motion.
• Progress of work performed: This refers to 'expediting' or 'follow-up'. It involves tracking the actual progress of work against the planned schedule, identifying deviations, and taking corrective actions to ensure timely completion. It's about monitoring and controlling the execution of the routed work.
• Sequence of operations to be performed: This perfectly defines routing. It details the precise order in which each manufacturing step, from raw material conversion to final assembly, must occur. This sequence ensures logical and efficient progression through the production process, optimizing material flow and minimizing delays.

Conclusion on Routing

Therefore, in the context of production planning and control, routing specifically means defining the sequence of operations to be performed. It is a fundamental activity that provides the necessary framework for all subsequent production activities and ensures a structured approach to manufacturing.