Work according to schedules

Schedules are plans to describe what needs to be done and in what order.

A production schedule:

The different stages that a work piece goes through in the production process. This is usually compiled in the job card and/or the engineering drawings and will include the following information.

·         When will the job start

·         The number of hours that each stage will take to complete

·         The order in which the stages should be done

·         The deadline by which the job should be completed

A production schedule is useful for the following reasons.

·         It helps to plan the work flow. During the planning process jobs can be scheduled for specific machines that are best suited for the job. This will improve sufficiency in the workplace and will safe time and money.

·         The schedule will help to cost the job more accurately.

·         The schedule informs you of how many items or components must be made. This is called a production target.

·         The schedule allows the stages to be monitored. This means that any problems with equipment or the production process is picked up early, easily and solved quickly saving time and money.

·         The production schedule also give an indication of which machines and employees will be needed to complete the work piece or project

·         The schedule also give an indication of how busy the work place will be and if other work can be done at the same time as the project

 A maintenance schedule:

All machines needs regular maintenance to keep them working properly and sufficiently. A maintenance schedule is necessary for the following reasons.

·         Keep machines running smoothly and sufficiently

·         Prevent machines from breaking down unexpectedly and losing production time

·         Pick up problems before they become serious and, therefore more costly

·         Keeping a record of work done on the machine and, parts that has been replaced so that everyone who uses the machine in future knows what has been done to the machine

Follow the manufacturer’s specifications when you work.

The manufacturer’s specifications or instructions are given in manuals that come with the machine. This includes the following types of information.

·         The types and sizes of the parts, like drill bits or grinding wheels that fit into the machine.

·         The speed at which to set the machine

·         The revolutions per minute (rpm) at which to operate the machine

·         The level of the voltage and the current needed to operate the machine.

·         Safety information about the machine. How to use the machine without getting an electrical shock and what protective equipment to use