How do you choose the right production control system?

1 Your production type

Different production types have different requirements and challenges. For example, if you produce customized or low-volume products, you need a flexible and responsive system that can handle frequent changes and variations. If you produce standardized or high-volume products, you need a stable and efficient system that can maximize throughput and minimize waste. You should look for a production control system that matches your production type and supports your strategic goals.

2 Your production processes

Your production processes are the activities and tasks that transform raw materials into finished goods. They can be simple or complex, sequential or parallel, dependent or independent. You should analyze your production processes and identify the inputs, outputs, constraints, bottlenecks, and risks involved. You should also measure your performance indicators, such as cycle time, lead time, inventory level, and quality rate. You should look for a production control system that can map, integrate, and optimize your production processes and provide real-time data and feedback.

3 Your production resources

Your production resources are the assets and capabilities that enable you to produce your products. They include your machines, equipment, tools, materials, labor, energy, and space. You should assess your production resources and determine their availability, capacity, utilization, efficiency, and maintenance needs. You should also evaluate your resource allocation and scheduling methods and identify the trade-offs and opportunities for improvement. You should look for a production control system that can manage, allocate, and schedule your production resources and improve their productivity and reliability.

4 Your production environment

Your production environment is the external and internal factors that affect your production operations. They include your market demand, customer expectations, competitors, suppliers, regulations, standards, and organizational culture. You should monitor your production environment and anticipate the changes and uncertainties that may arise. You should also adapt your production plans and strategies to cope with the fluctuations and disruptions that may occur. You should look for a production control system that can forecast, simulate, and adjust your production scenarios and enhance your agility and resilience.

5 Your production technology

Your production technology is the hardware and software that support your production control system. It can include devices, sensors, networks, databases, applications, platforms, and interfaces. You should select your production technology based on your needs, budget, compatibility, scalability, security, and usability. You should also integrate your production technology with your existing systems and processes and ensure its reliability and functionality. You should look for a production control system that can leverage your production technology and enable your digital transformation.

Choosing the right production control system is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a careful analysis of your production characteristics, objectives, and challenges. It also requires a continuous evaluation and improvement of your production performance and outcomes. By considering these factors, you can find a production control system that suits your business and helps you achieve your manufacturing excellence.