How to Be Production Control Analyst - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 9, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The lack of a proper control analyst can have a lasting effect on production. Not having a control analyst can lead to an increase in costs due to an inefficient workflow, an increase in errors due to a lack of oversight, and an overall decrease in customer satisfaction due to longer turnaround times and delayed deliveries. In order to ensure a successful production process, it is essential to have a skilled production control analyst who can identify potential issues and optimize the flow of information between departments, keeping track of all activities and measurements.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Production control analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in a business or engineering related field. Examples of suitable fields include industrial engineering, operations management, business administration, or supply chain management.
Gain Experience. Production control analysts should have experience in production planning and control, inventory management, and scheduling. This experience can be obtained through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or other related activities.
Obtain Certification. Production control analysts may choose to obtain certification to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. Professional organizations such as the Association for Operations Management offer certifications in areas such as production and inventory management and logistics.
Develop Skills. Production control analysts should have strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. They should be able to work independently, as well as in a team environment. They should also have good communication, organizational, and time management skills.
Stay Current. Production control analysts should stay current on industry trends and techniques to ensure they are using the most up-to-date methods of production planning and control.

Staying ahead and qualified as a Production Control Analyst requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. To stay ahead in this field, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest production control methods and technologies and to continuously strive to improve processes and procedures. having a strong knowledge of related disciplines such as supply chain management, inventory management, and logistics is important to ensure that the production process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Keeping up with current trends and understanding industry standards will also help to ensure that the production process is as efficient as possible and that all required materials are available when needed. Lastly, having strong organizational and problem solving skills will be beneficial when it comes to troubleshooting issues that arise during the production process. By staying ahead of the game, Production Control Analysts can ensure that their skills remain relevant and effective.

You may want to check Process Control Engineer, Control Systems Technician, and Quality Control Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor, track, and report on production performance and metrics.
Analyze production data and identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Develop and maintain production models for forecasting and planning.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure production is meeting customer requirements.
Create and maintain production documents, such as charts, spreadsheets, and reports.
Analyze production processes to identify areas for improvement and recommend solutions.
Implement new processes and procedures to improve production efficiency.
Monitor and analyze inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies are available.
Train personnel on new processes and procedures.
Monitor and enforce safety guidelines in the production environment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Access
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Good understanding of inventory management and control systems
Knowledge of quality assurance and safety standards
Ability to track and analyze data to identify trends and process improvement opportunities
Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
Attention to detail and accuracy

The job of a Production Control Analyst is critical to the success of any organization. It involves analyzing production data, developing reports, and providing support to ensure the organization meets its production goals. As such, an effective Production Control Analyst must possess a range of skills and qualities, such as analytical thinking, problem solving, and communication.

With these skills, a Production Control Analyst can identify inefficiencies in the production process and develop strategies to improve processes and maximize productivity. strong IT skills are essential to the role, as most of the work involves manipulating and analyzing data. The ability to use various software programs, such as MS Access, Excel, and SQL, is also important.

Finally, having an understanding of the production process, including production costs and scheduling, is essential for a Production Control Analyst to be successful. With these abilities, a Production Control Analyst can help their organization meet its goals and maximize its efficiency.

Traffic Control Supervisor, Cost Control Analyst, and Document Control Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in production control?
How would you handle a situation where you had to manage multiple production orders at once?
Describe your experience creating and maintaining production plans.
What methods do you use to evaluate and analyze production data?
How would you go about resolving a problem with a supplier?
What strategies do you use to prioritize production orders?
How do you ensure that production schedules are kept on track?
Describe your experience working with a team to ensure production targets are met.
What steps do you take to reduce waste and improve efficiency in the production process?
How do you ensure that production processes are safe and compliant with regulatory requirements?

Common Tools in Industry

Microsoft Excel. Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program used to store, organize, and analyze numerical data. (e. g. Create pivot tables to analyze product performance)
Production Scheduling Software. Production scheduling software helps production managers create work schedules, monitor progress, and optimize resources. (e. g. Automatically generate Gantt charts to track project timelines)
Project Management Software. Project management software helps production control analysts manage multiple projects at once, collaborate with teams, and track progress. (e. g. Assign tasks to team members and set deadlines)
Quality Control Software. Quality control software helps production control analysts ensure that products meet quality standards and comply with safety regulations. (e. g. Monitor production processes for defects and inconsistencies)
Data Analysis Software. Data analysis software helps production control analysts process large amounts of data, uncover insights, and make decisions based on those insights. (e. g. Use machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in production data)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)
Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA)
Global Supply Chain Council (GSCC)
Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society (LSCMS)
Association for Operations Management (APICS)
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM)
International Quality Federation (IQF)

We also have Traffic Control Technician, Inventory Control Associate, and Process Control Inspector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Inventory Management. The process of ordering, storing, and tracking material, components, and finished products for an organization.
Quality Control. The process of monitoring and verifying that products and services meet specified standards of quality.
Production Planning. The process of organizing and scheduling the production of goods and services.
Capacity Planning. The process of determining the maximum amount of work that can be done in a given period of time.
Supply Chain Management. The process of managing the flow of goods and services from raw material acquisition to the delivery of finished products to the customer.
Scheduling. The process of organizing people and resources in order to meet predetermined objectives.
Demand Forecasting. The process of predicting demand for goods and services based on past data, market trends, and other factors.
Cost Analysis. The process of examining the cost of producing goods and services, including the cost of materials, labor, and overhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Production Control Analyst do?

A Production Control Analyst is responsible for planning, scheduling and coordinating production activities in order to ensure efficient operations within a production facility. They manage the production process from raw material stages through to the delivery of finished goods to customers.

What qualifications are needed to become a Production Control Analyst?

To become a Production Control Analyst, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as industrial engineering, operations management, or supply chain management. You should also have a strong understanding of business principles, production processes and procedures, and quality control standards.

What types of tasks does a Production Control Analyst perform?

Production Control Analysts typically perform tasks such as monitoring production schedules and inventory levels, ensuring that production orders are completed on time and within budget, analyzing production data to identify areas for improvement, and providing recommendations to management regarding production processes.

What skills are needed to be successful as a Production Control Analyst?

Successful Production Control Analysts should possess strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. They should be able to multitask effectively, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and be proficient in the use of computer software programs such as Microsoft Excel and Access.

What is the job outlook for a Production Control Analyst?

The job outlook for Production Control Analysts is projected to grow by 9% from 2019-2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing demand for production control professionals in manufacturing industries.