Routing in production planning and controls refers to the sequence of operations to be performed in the manufacturing process. It involves determining the most efficient path for a product to follow as it moves through various workstations and processes.

Routing plays a crucial role in optimizing production and ensuring smooth operations. It involves the following key aspects:

1. Determining the sequence of operations: Routing involves deciding the order in which different operations are to be performed on a product. This includes identifying the specific tasks, such as cutting, drilling, assembly, and finishing, that need to be completed and arranging them in the most logical and efficient sequence.

2. Identifying the work centers or machines: Routing also involves determining the specific work centers or machines where each operation will be performed. This includes considering the capabilities and capacities of different machines and ensuring that the workload is balanced across them.

3. Allocating resources: Routing helps in allocating the necessary resources, such as manpower, materials, and tools, to each operation. It ensures that all the required resources are available at the right time and in the right quantity to avoid any delays or bottlenecks in the production process.

4. Estimating time and cost: Routing helps in estimating the time required to complete each operation and the overall cost of the production process. This information is crucial for production planning, scheduling, and cost estimation, allowing organizations to optimize their resources and make informed decisions.

5. Minimizing distance and movement: Routing aims to minimize the distance and movement of products within the production facility. By carefully planning the sequence of operations, unnecessary movements and transportation can be reduced, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced lead times.

6. Ensuring quality and consistency: Routing also considers the quality requirements of the product. It ensures that the required quality checks and inspections are performed at appropriate stages to maintain consistent product quality throughout the manufacturing process.

In summary, routing in production planning and controls involves determining the most efficient sequence of operations, allocating resources, optimizing production flow, and ensuring quality and consistency. It plays a critical role in optimizing production processes, reducing costs, and improving overall efficiency in manufacturing operations.