Production Control Analyst Overview

As a Production Control Analyst, you play a vital role in the manufacturing process. Your primary responsibility involves overseeing and optimizing production schedules, inventory levels, and resource allocation, ensuring that operations run smoothly and effectively. Here’s an overview of what the role entails:

  • Production Planning: You analyze production schedules, forecasts, and order requirements to create efficient work plans. This minimizes downtime and maximizes output, ensuring that production goals are met.

  • Data Analysis: Your proficiency in data collection and analysis helps in identifying trends and potential bottlenecks in the production process. You use this information to recommend improvements, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency.

  • Collaboration: You work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, supply chain, and quality control, to align production activities with organizational goals. Your role is key in facilitating communication and collaboration among departments.

  • Inventory Management: Monitoring inventory levels is a critical aspect of your job. You establish optimal stock levels to balance production needs and minimize excess inventory, thereby reducing costs and waste.

  • Problem Solving: When challenges arise, you employ your analytical skills to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Your proactive approach helps maintain production flow and minimize disruptions.

  • Reporting: You prepare and present reports on production metrics and performance to stakeholders. This transparency helps in strategic decision-making and reinforces accountability within the production team.

In summary, your role as a Production Control Analyst is integral to ensuring that manufacturing processes are efficient and effective. You contribute to the overall success of the organization by maintaining a seamless production flow and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Production Control Analyst Salary

Annual Median: $53,900
Hourly Median: $25.91

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education and Training To Become a Production Control Analyst

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Best Schools to become a Production Control Analyst in U.S. 2024

#1Maricopa County

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891
#2Merrimack County

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091
#3Salt Lake County

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935
#4El Paso County

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

In-State Tuition:$12,036
Out-of-State Tuition:$12,036
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:20%
Total Enrollment:24,808
#5Maricopa County

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816
#6Lynchburg City

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709
Production Control Analyst Job Description:
  • Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule.
  • Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Production Control Analyst

  • Analytical Skills: You must be able to assess complex production data and identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Strong analytical abilities will enable you to make informed decisions based on quantitative and qualitative information.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with production management software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and data analysis tools is essential. Proficiency in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and reporting is particularly valuable.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision is key in production control. You need to maintain a high level of accuracy in documentation, reporting, and data analysis to ensure smooth production processes.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: Your ability to address unexpected production issues and develop effective solutions quickly is vital. You should be proactive in identifying potential conflicts in production schedules and making adjustments as needed.

  • Communication Skills: Clear communication with team members, management, and other departments is crucial. You should be able to convey complex information in an understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.

  • Project Management: You should possess skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that all production targets are met on time. Good project management allows you to prioritize tasks effectively.

  • Time Management: Efficient management of your time is necessary to meet deadlines and maintain flexibility in response to changing production demands. You should be able to plan and allocate resources appropriately.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively as part of a team involves liaising with various departments, such as inventory, quality control, and logistics. Your ability to collaborate will help streamline production processes.

  • Adaptability: The manufacturing environment can be dynamic, requiring you to adjust to changing circumstances rapidly. Being open to change and able to adopt new techniques or technologies is important for ongoing success.

  • Understanding of Supply Chain Management: A solid grasp of how production fits into the larger supply chain can enhance your ability to make informed decisions regarding inventory levels, supplier relationships, and demand forecasts.

Job Duties for Production Control Analysts

  • Distribute production schedules or work orders to departments.

  • Review documents, such as production schedules, work orders, or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities.

  • Revise production schedules when required due to design changes, labor or material shortages, backlogs, or other interruptions, collaborating with management, marketing, sales, production, or engineering.

Technologies and Skills Used by Production Control Analysts

Data base user interface and query software

  • Airtable
  • Oracle Database

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Oracle PeopleSoft

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  • Bill of lading software
  • Waterloo Hydrogeologic TACTIC

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Talking to others

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Production Control Analyst

The job market for Production Control Analysts is currently characterized by a stable demand and notable growth potential. As global supply chains become increasingly complex and industries strive for efficiency, the need for skilled professionals in production control has risen accordingly.

  • Demand for Production Control Analysts

    • Various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, are actively seeking production control analysts to streamline operations and ensure timely project delivery.
    • The automation of production processes and the integration of advanced analytics in operations management have increased the necessity for individuals who can interpret data and make informed decisions.

  • Growth Potential

    • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth in the field over the next decade, driven by technological advancements that reshape production environments.
    • Opportunities are expected to arise not only from new openings but also due to the retirement of an aging workforce, increasing the demand for new talent in production control.

  • Geographical Hotspots

    • Certain regions are recognized for their concentration of opportunities in this field:
      • Midwest: States like Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana have a high density of manufacturing companies, which fosters a strong demand for production control analysts.
      • California: The tech industry's growth in the state strengthens the demand for analysts in sectors focused on production efficiency and supply chain management.
      • Texas: A booming economy and an increase in manufacturing and logistics operations have led to more job openings in the state.
      • Northeast: Areas such as New York and Pennsylvania, with their diverse industrial bases, also provide opportunities for production control analysts.

  • Industry Trends

    • The increasing emphasis on sustainability and lean manufacturing practices is making production control analysts integral in helping organizations reduce waste and increase efficiency.
    • The rise of data analytics and artificial intelligence within production environments means that professionals who can leverage these technologies will find themselves in high demand.

By keeping an eye on these factors, you can better navigate the job market and capitalize on emerging opportunities as a Production Control Analyst.

Top Related Careers to Production Control Analyst 2024

Logistics Coordinator
Inventory Control Specialist
Supply Chain Coordinator
Operations Scheduler

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Production Control Analyst

  • APICS (now part of ASCM)
    The Association for Supply Chain Management provides valuable resources for professionals in production and operations management. You can find information on certification programs, standards, and industry news.
    APICS/ASCM

  • Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
    ISM offers resources that focus on supply chain management, which is closely related to the role of a Production Control Analyst. They provide educational materials, best practices, and networking opportunities.
    Institute for Supply Management

  • Project Management Institute (PMI)
    PMI provides tools and resources for managing projects effectively. It’s beneficial for Production Control Analysts to understand project management principles as they often work on project-based tasks.
    Project Management Institute

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
    NIST provides guidelines on improving manufacturing processes, including production efficiency and quality management standards that are relevant to a Production Control Analyst's duties.
    National Institute of Standards and Technology

  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
    SME offers educational resources, certifications, and forums aimed at manufacturing professionals, including Production Control Analysts. It provides insights into advanced manufacturing technologies and trends.
    Society of Manufacturing Engineers

  • American Society for Quality (ASQ)
    ASQ focuses on quality improvement and management. They provide certifications, training, and resources to enhance your understanding of quality assurance relevant to production processes.
    American Society for Quality

  • Supply Chain Management Review
    This publication covers trends, best practices, and research in supply chain management, which can be particularly useful for staying updated on industry changes.
    Supply Chain Management Review

  • LinkedIn Learning
    Offers online courses related to production planning, inventory control, and supply chain management that can aid in skill development for a Production Control Analyst role.
    LinkedIn Learning

  • Books:

    • Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management by F. Robert Jacobs and William Lee Berry
    • The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
    • Designing and Managing a Successful Supply Chain by Erik Hofmann
    • Production and Operations Analysis by Steven Nahmias

Utilizing these resources can enhance your knowledge, provide certification opportunities, and keep you connected with industry developments relevant to your career as a Production Control Analyst.

FAQs About Becoming a Production Control Analyst

  • What does a Production Control Analyst do?
    A Production Control Analyst is responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling production schedules and inventories. They analyze production data and workflows to ensure efficiency and to meet production goals while minimizing costs.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Production Control Analyst?
    Typically, a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, manufacturing, or a related field is required. Additionally, experience in production planning or analytics can be beneficial.

  • What skills are important for a Production Control Analyst?
    Key skills include strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, proficiency in production planning software, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with data analysis tools is also advantageous.

  • What industries employ Production Control Analysts?
    Production Control Analysts are found in various industries including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, as they are vital in any sector that involves production processes.

  • What is the typical career path for a Production Control Analyst?
    Many start as entry-level analysts or coordinators and can progress to senior production control analyst positions, or transition into roles such as production manager or operations manager based on experience and additional qualifications.

  • What is the average salary for a Production Control Analyst?
    As of 2023, the average salary for a Production Control Analyst in the U.S. ranges from $55,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location.

  • What tools or software do Production Control Analysts commonly use?
    Analysts often use software such as ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project), and data analytics programs (e.g., Excel, Tableau) to monitor and analyze production processes.

  • Are there any certifications that could enhance my career as a Production Control Analyst?
    Certifications such as APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Six Sigma Green Belt can enhance your qualifications and offer a competitive edge in the job market.

  • What challenges do Production Control Analysts face in their role?
    Common challenges include balancing production schedules with demand fluctuations, managing inventory levels while minimizing waste, and ensuring timely communication across departments.

  • Is remote work an option for Production Control Analysts?
    While many Production Control Analysts work on-site due to the nature of production environments, some roles may offer hybrid or remote options, particularly in planning and analysis functions.

  • How can I gain experience for a career as a Production Control Analyst?
    Consider internships or entry-level positions in production, logistics, or supply chain management. Volunteer for projects that involve data analysis or process improvement to develop relevant skills.