The paper examines the current state of Production Planning and Control (PPC), identifies some technical and systems changes that have occurred over recent years and links these with the requirements being placed on companies by the market. PPC is being asked to respond effectively to these internal and external changes by being more dynamic and providing better control of resources and delivery performance. Some of the requirements to be satisfied by the new PPC systems are identified. To meet these requirements it is suggested that better understanding is required of how different factors affect PPC systems performance and that administrative systems need improving. The quantitative, administrative and behavioural aspects of PPC are discussed. A framework for developing an agenda for action and research is provided.
production planning; production control; overview
