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

May 22, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The prevalence of online shopping has caused a dramatic shift in the way production controllers must operate. As more and more consumers move to purchasing goods online, production controllers must be able to quickly adapt to changing customer needs and preferences in order to meet their demands. This requires production controllers to have a keen eye for customer trends, the ability to manage resources efficiently, and the ability to anticipate changes in the market.

Production controllers must also be knowledgeable in the latest technological advancements in order to keep up with the ever-evolving digital world. As a result, production controllers are expected to use all of these skills in order to ensure that customer orders are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. To become a production controller, most employers will require applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Pursue a postsecondary degree or certificate. An associate degree in business or a related field may be beneficial for aspiring production controllers. Alternatively, some employers may accept an industry-specific certificate program.
Gain relevant experience. New production controllers may benefit from starting out in a related position, such as production assistant or inventory coordinator. This experience can help one gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a production controller.
Develop applicable technical skills. Production controllers must have excellent computer skills, as they use computers to monitor and manage inventory and control production costs. Production controllers should also be familiar with spreadsheet software and database programs.
Become familiar with the relevant laws and regulations. Production controllers must understand relevant labor laws, workplace safety standards, and environmental regulations.
Obtain certification. Professional certification is not required to become a production controller, but the Certified Production Controller credential is available through the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). This certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of production control principles and procedures.

As a Production Controller, it is essential to stay ahead and competent. One of the most effective ways to do this is to stay up to date with the latest industry trends. This can be achieved by attending conferences and seminars, reading industry related publications, and networking with other professionals in the field.

staying abreast of new technologies and techniques used in production control is necessary in order to remain competitive. By staying informed and utilizing the latest technologies, Production Controllers can stay ahead of the competition and maintain their competence in the field. Furthermore, it is important to prioritize continuously improving efficiency and accuracy, as this will increase the value of your work.

Finally, developing strong communication skills and an understanding of the production process will ensure successful project completion. By keeping up with the latest trends, utilizing the latest technology, increasing efficiency and accuracy, and honing communication skills, Production Controllers can stay ahead and competent.

You may want to check Shipping Controller, Configuration Controller, and Logistics Controller for alternative.

Job Description

Production Manager: Responsible for overseeing the entire production process, from start to finish. This includes organizing resources, setting production schedules, ensuring quality control and safety standards are met, and managing the production staff.
Production Supervisor: Responsible for supervising and coordinating the production staff. This includes scheduling shifts, assigning tasks, monitoring performance and providing feedback.
Quality Assurance Manager: Responsible for overseeing the quality control process to ensure that products meet or exceed customer expectations. This includes inspecting materials, checking product specifications and testing products before they are released to customers.
Materials Manager: Responsible for organizing and managing the supply chain of raw materials used in production. This includes procuring materials, negotiating prices, maintaining inventory levels and ensuring timely delivery of materials to the production line.
Production Planner: Responsible for creating and maintaining a detailed production plan. This includes forecasting demand, scheduling resources, determining timelines and ensuring that deadlines are met.
Logistics Manager: Responsible for managing the shipment of finished products from the factory to customers. This includes selecting transportation modes, negotiating shipping rates and tracking shipments to ensure timely delivery.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of production processes and techniques
Understanding of quality control procedures and standards
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
Proficiency in production planning and scheduling
Ability to solve complex problems
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Knowledge of safety regulations and best practice
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
Experience with inventory management systems and software
Knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software

Good production controllers need to have strong problem-solving skills in order to anticipate and address any issues that may arise during the production process. This includes being able to quickly identify potential problems, finding solutions that are both effective and cost-efficient, and communicating effectively with colleagues, suppliers, and customers. production controllers must also have excellent organizational skills in order to properly manage the production process from start to finish.

This includes having the ability to plan ahead and create detailed schedules and processes for each step of production. Finally, production controllers must have strong knowledge of the materials and processes associated with production, including the ability to understand a product's specifications and requirements in order to guarantee product quality. With these skills, a production controller is able to maintain an efficient production process that meets customer expectations and keeps costs down.

Budget Controller, Document Controller, and Systems Controller are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with production control?
What techniques do you use to monitor and maintain production goals?
How do you manage the flow of materials throughout the production process?
What strategies have you implemented to reduce production costs?
How do you handle emergency orders while keeping production timelines?
How do you stay organized and manage multiple projects at the same time?
What methods do you use to anticipate and prevent potential production-related problems?
How do you ensure accurate documentation of all production processes?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision while managing production?
How do you stay up to date with industry trends and best practices?

Common Tools in Industry

Gantt Chart. A graphical representation of project tasks, activities and timelines. (eg: Gantt Chart for Production Scheduling)
JIT (Just-in-Time) Manufacturing. A system of production scheduling that reduces waste and streamlines the production process. (eg: Just-in-Time Manufacturing for Automotive Assembly)
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). A software application that centralizes and automates the management of business processes. (eg: ERP System for Inventory Management)
MRP (Material Requirements Planning). A production planning tool used to manage inventory levels and optimize production scheduling. (eg: MRP System for Purchasing and Production Scheduling)
Kanban. A visual production scheduling system designed to reduce inventory and optimize workflow. (eg: Kanban Board for Visual Production Scheduling)
Simulation Modeling. A computer-based system used to simulate and analyze production processes. (eg: Simulation Modeling for Factory Layout Planning)
Six Sigma. A data-driven approach to improving the quality of production processes. (eg: Six Sigma Methodology for Quality Improvement)
Lean Manufacturing. An approach to production that minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency. (eg: Lean Manufacturing Principles for Process Optimization)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Production Technology Professionals
Association for Manufacturing Excellence
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
International Facility Management Association
American Production and Inventory Control Society
International Association of Production and Inventory Control
International Society of Automation
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
American Society for Quality
Supply Chain Council

We also have Plant Controller, Cost Controller, and Data Controller jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Quality Control. The process of ensuring that products or services meet certain standards of quality.
Production Planning. The process of determining what resources are needed to produce a certain amount of product or service.
Inventory Management. The process of tracking and managing the inventory of materials and finished products.
Scheduling. The process of creating a timeline for producing a certain product or service.
Cost Estimation. The process of estimating the cost of producing a certain product or service.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and managing the risks associated with a certain production process.
Supply Chain Management. The process of managing the flow of materials and finished products from suppliers to customers.
Resource Allocation. The process of determining how resources are allocated within a production process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Production Controller?

A Production Controller is a professional responsible for the coordination, planning and control of production processes in order to ensure efficient and cost-effective production operations.

What are the main responsibilities of a Production Controller?

The main responsibilities of a Production Controller include planning, scheduling and controlling production operations, implementing cost-saving measures, managing raw materials and finished products, monitoring production performance, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

What qualifications do you need to become a Production Controller?

To become a Production Controller, you will typically need a degree in industrial engineering or a related field. Additionally, experience in production management, knowledge of manufacturing processes and familiarity with materials, methods and quality standards are essential.

What are the key skills required for a Production Controller?

The key skills required for a Production Controller include strong communication skills, organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to work under pressure.