Test: Loading & Scheduling - 1 - Mechanical Engineering MCQ

The routing function in a production system design is concerned with Machine utilization.

Routing determines what work is to be done and where and how it will be done. Taking from raw material to the finished product, routing decides the path and sequence of operations to be performed on the job from one machine to another.
There are four steps in the process of production planning and control:

1. Routing: Routing can be defined as the process of deciding the path (route) of work and the sequence of operations.
2. Scheduling: Scheduling function determines when an operation is to be performed, or when work is to be completed.
3. Dispatching: It is the action, doing or implementation stage. It comes after routing and scheduling. Dispatching means starting the process of production. It provides the necessary authority to start the work.
4. Expedition or follow-up: It is designed to keep track of the work effort. The aim is to ensure that what is intended and planned is being implemented. It maintains proper records of work, delays, and bottleneck. Such records can be used in the future to control production.

Dispatching: It is execution of planning. It is concerned with starting the work (or process), it therefore ensure that the plans are properly implemented. It is the physical handling over of a manufacturing order to the operating faciiity. it can be defined as release of orders and instructions for the starting of production for any item in accordance with the route sheet and schedule charts.