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

Jan 20, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of a Production Control Specialist can have a severely negative effect on a manufacturing process. Without this vital role, production lines can become inefficient, quality can suffer, and workers can become overwhelmed with the amount of tasks they are expected to handle. The Production Control Specialist is responsible for managing inventory levels, scheduling production runs, and monitoring the overall process to ensure that quality standards are being met.

They also help to coordinate between multiple departments and ensure that all parties are working together to meet deadlines and customer needs. With a Production Control Specialist in place, manufacturers can rest assured that the production process is running smoothly, efficiently, and safely.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Production Control Specialists typically need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), in order to qualify for the position.
Acquire Relevant Education. Acquiring relevant education to become a Production Control Specialist is generally not required, though many employers prefer to hire those with undergraduate coursework in business administration, management, or logistics.
Gain Experience. Employers often prefer to hire Production Control Specialists who have previous experience in related roles. It may be possible to gain this experience through internships or entry-level positions with logistics companies or other organizations that require production control.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining a certification, such as the Certified Production Control Specialist (CPCS) credential offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), can make a candidate more attractive to employers.
Develop Professional Skills. Developing professional skills that are relevant to the role of Production Control Specialist is also important. This includes having strong communication and problem-solving skills as well as being comfortable working with technology and databases.

Production control specialists are highly skilled and qualified professionals responsible for managing the production process in order to ensure the timely and efficient production of goods. They ensure that products are produced to the correct specifications, quality, and quantity, and that the production process is efficient and cost-effective. Production control specialists must maintain an accurate inventory of materials, monitor machines and equipment, and coordinate with other departments to ensure that production runs smoothly and meets customer requirements.

they must be able to troubleshoot systems when needed, provide technical advice, and adjust production schedules as needed. As a result of their expertise, production control specialists are able to maximize productivity, reduce waste, and ensure that products are delivered on-time and to the highest standards.

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Job Description

Manage product control systems, including inventories, scheduling, and tracking.
Monitor production processes to ensure compliance to quality and safety standards.
Utilize problem-solving techniques to identify and address production issues.
Coordinate with other departments (engineering, sales, etc. ) to ensure accurate and timely production.
Track raw materials, supplies, and finished products throughout the production cycle.
Generate reports on production performance and inventory levels.
Adjust production processes to achieve target costs and timelines.
Develop plans to increase efficiency and reduce costs in the production process.
Monitor and analyze product data to identify trends and suggest improvements.
Create and maintain documentation related to production processes, procedures, and standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of production processes and procedures.
Ability to analyze production data and recommend solutions.
Excellent organizational and problem solving skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
Knowledge of quality control standards and techniques.
Knowledge of industry regulations and safety protocols.

Having strong production control specialist skills is essential for any industry that relies heavily on complex production processes. Proper control of any production process requires an understanding of the entire production cycle from start to finish, including all its associated processes and components. An effective production control specialist must be organized and detail-oriented, skilled at problem-solving and decision-making, and able to use data-driven strategies to ensure maximum efficiency and profitability.

They also need to be aware of the latest industry trends and regulatory requirements to ensure that their production processes are safe and up-to-date. The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders is also essential for success in this role. With the right skills, a production control specialist can help a company identify areas of improvement, reduce costs, and increase overall productivity.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in production control?
What strategies do you use to ensure production schedules are met on time?
How do you identify and address production bottlenecks?
How do you prioritize tasks within a production environment?
Describe your experience with inventory management systems?
What techniques do you use to solve complex production problems?
How do you monitor production KPIs to ensure maximum efficiency?
How do you ensure that production costs remain within budget?
What steps do you take to ensure that safety standards are maintained in the production process?
How do you develop relationships with vendors and clients to support efficient production control?

Common Tools in Industry

Production Planning Software. A software program used to plan, manage and optimize production processes. Examples include ERP systems, Lean-Agile planning tools, MRP systems, and machine scheduling software.
Quality Assurance Software. Software used to ensure that products meet predetermined quality standards. Examples include Six Sigma systems, statistical process control software, and quality management systems.
Barcode Scanning Software. Automates the scanning of barcodes on products and materials, allowing for faster and more accurate tracking. Examples include RFID readers, mobile data capture software, and serialized inventory tracking systems.
Inventory Control Software. Manages the inventory of products and materials across the entire supply chain. Examples include warehouse management systems (WMS), just-in-time inventory systems, and automated reorder point software.
Warehouse Automation Software. Automates the processes of receiving, shipping, and handling materials in the warehouse. Examples include robotic pickers, automated storage systems, and automated conveyor belts.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)
Institute of Supply Management (ISM)
Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)
National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM)
Supply Chain Council (SCC)
International Society of Logistics (SOLE)
International Quality Federation (IQF)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)
Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME)

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Common Important Terms

Scheduling. The process of assigning tasks, resources and timelines to each step of a production process.
Quality Assurance. The process of developing and maintaining standards to ensure that products meet customer requirements.
Inventory Management. The process of tracking and controlling the amount of raw materials, finished goods, and other items in an organizations inventory.
Cost Control. The process of managing the cost of producing products or services.
Lean Manufacturing. The practice of maximizing efficiency while minimizing waste in the production process.
Supply Chain Management. The process of managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers.
Process Improvement. The practice of continually analyzing and improving processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Risk Management. The practice of identifying and managing potential risks that could affect the success of a production project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Production Control Specialist?

A Production Control Specialist is a professional who oversees the production process, ensuring that quality standards and timelines are met. They are responsible for planning, scheduling, and tracking the production of goods and services.

What tasks does a Production Control Specialist perform?

A Production Control Specialist is responsible for coordinating and implementing production schedules, monitoring and adjusting production processes, and tracking and reporting on the progress of production. They are also responsible for troubleshooting production issues, managing inventory levels, and ensuring that safety and quality standards are met.

What qualifications do I need to become a Production Control Specialist?

To become a Production Control Specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, business administration, or a related field. You should have strong knowledge of production processes and systems, as well as experience working with manufacturing and inventory control systems.

What skills are important for a Production Control Specialist?

A Production Control Specialist should be detail-oriented and organized, with strong problem solving and communication skills. They should also be knowledgeable about production processes and systems, as well as have the ability to analyze data and make decisions quickly.