Production Planning and Control – Professional Capability Certificate

Module 1 – Foundations of Production Planning & Control

This module introduces the core principles of Production Planning and Control within modern manufacturing environments. Learners explore how customer demand, production capacity, materials, and operational resources must be aligned to ensure efficient production performance. The module establishes the role of production planning in supporting delivery reliability, cost control, and operational stability.

Lessons

1.1 – Learner Guide- Planning and Control 1.2 – The Strategic Role of Production Planning and Control in Modern Manufacturing 1.3 – Planning, Scheduling and Control in Practice: Turning Strategy into Operational Reality

Module 2 – Capacity Planning & Resource Management

This module focuses on evaluating production capacity and managing operational resources effectively. Learners examine how machine capability, labour availability, and downtime affect production output. Through practical calculations and analysis, the module develops the ability to assess capacity constraints, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure that production plans remain achievable within real operational limits.

Lessons

2.1 – Capacity Planning and Realistic Throughput Analysis 2.2 – Bottleneck Identification and Constraint Management

Module 3 – Production Scheduling Techniques

This module explores how production plans are translated into structured production schedules. Learners examine scheduling methods used to protect delivery commitments while maintaining efficient resource utilisation. Key concepts include forward and backward scheduling, workload balancing, and managing operational risk when production systems operate close to maximum capacity.

Lessons

3.1 – Production Scheduling Techniques and Operational Sequencing 3.2 – Advanced Scheduling, MRP and Integrated Planning Systems

Module 4 – Level 4 Production Simulation Lab

This module provides an applied assessment environment where learners test their Production Planning and Control capability through a structured simulation lab. Using realistic production scenarios, learners analyse demand, validate capacity, schedule production, identify bottlenecks, and evaluate financial impact. The simulation integrates planning and control decisions within a practical manufacturing context.

Lessons

4.1 Applied Production Simulation Lab – Interactive Operational Decision Scenarios