DOCUMENTS USED IN PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

Production department within an organization is responsible for manufacturing products. It converts raw materials and other inputs into finished goods using proper resources. With the required inputs, production department plans the production activities and allocate manpower to perform those activities.

To be effective in production planning and execution, department needs documented approach to ensure smooth movement. 

Some of the commonly used documents in production department are discussed below:

1. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP):

Standard Operating Procedure is methodology which describes specific way to carry out a process. This document is on organizational level and links various departments. Standard Operating Process focuses on WHAT to do and by WHOM. It mainly comprises of organization's policy and guide to perform a process with defined departmental roles.

E.g. Procedure for deviation management, Procedure for handling non conforming products.

2. Work Instruction:

Work instruction is a document which explains the methodology to perform certain task in detail. Work Instruction focuses on HOW to do a specific activity. It gives step by step guidance to perform the task.

E.g. Work Instruction for Drilling Operation, Work Instruction for Hardness Testing.

3. Production Planning Record:

For proper execution of production activities there must be an efficient documented planning. A Production Planning Record communicates production requirements to shop floor foreman and operator. Production Planning Record should have following information:

• Details of item to be produced
• Production quantity
• Production starting and completion date
• Raw material and batch details
• Machine and Operator details

4. Process Flow Diagram (PFD):

A Process Flow Diagram is a flow chart which illustrates the major steps involved in a process. It is a visual representation of tasks involved and their sequence in the process. Process Flow Diagram (PFD) does not show minor details

5. Process Control Plan:

Process Control Plan is a documented plan that controls the production process to ensure product quality requirement is met. It describes the process steps, process/product characteristics and their specification, control mechanism, and reaction plan. Process Control Plan helps to achieve defect free output with defined check points.

6. Daily Production Record:

Daily Production Record is an important document to report day to day status of production. It is generated to take control on production target, machine running and idle time, product rejection, machine breakdown, operator efficiency etc.