Depending on the nature of c, operations managers need to perform various managerial functions like, planning, directing, coordinating operations, decision taking, policy framing, controlling inventory, supply chain management, job scheduling, job-wise manpower allocation, etc.
However, this is only an indicative list. Some organizations even assign the duties of chief executive officer to operations managers. In many organizations, we find the position of Chief Operating Officer at the operations level.
The functions of a operations manager even though vary with the nature of the products or services, it can typically have following commonalities—
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1. Production Planning and Control:
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This involves deciding the course of action for actual production after the receipt of orders. Usually, Sales or Marketing Department receives or books orders from the customers and send their requisitions for manufacturing to Production Planning and Control Department and progress the job to ensure the execution of orders of meeting the customers’ satisfaction. Effective production planning and control, therefore, ensure meeting the prime objectives of production, i.e., to manufacture and to deliver, meeting customers’ requirements.
2. Production:
After production planning and control, the next important function of a production manager is to ensure manufacturing or the production of finished goods in conformity with the plans.
3. Inspection:
After production process is over, inspection or quality checking is necessary. This type of inspection is known as final inspection. However, for the increased emphasis on quality control, many organizations now also carry out in-process inspection. This minimizes the problem of rejection. In addition, inward inspection is also carried out for controlling the quality of raw materials and components.
4. Engineering:
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Manufacturing or production activities are also needed to be supported by design and development, which not only include designing tools, jigs and fixtures (this is done by independent Tool Room Department in large organizations) but also involves R&D activities for innovative product design and changes.
5. Industrial Engineering:
A production manager is also required to carry out periodic work study, following method study or work measurement technique for systematic investigation of activities in order to ensure effective use of human and material resources. (While method study helps in finding the best way of doing a work, work measurement helps in assessing the time required for doing a job).
6. Maintenance:
Production manager is also responsible for time-to-time maintenance of plant and machineries to minimize machine downtime and consequent loss of production. While traditional concept is breakdown maintenance, i.e., to attend plant and machineries only, when they become dysfunctional, modern concept is Total Productive Maintenance, which also calls for preventive maintenance action to minimize machine downtime.
7. Interdepartmental Coordination:
A production manager is also required to maintain contacts with other departments, like, Sales Department with regard to production plan, Personnel Department for manpower availability and training and Materials Department for procurement of raw materials and other components.