Engineering and Production Plans: How to Build Better Workflows with the Right ERP

Engineering and production plans are the foundation of a manufacturing business and set the stage for everything from procurement to scheduling to execution. A solid plan lays out what needs to be made, when, and how—keeping everything on track and running smoothly.

Below, we’ll review the key steps of production planning, provide a clear example of how it works in practice, and explain how Genius ERP helps manufacturers streamline each phase of their operations.

What Are the Main Steps of Production Planning?

Production planning maps out what needs to be built, how it’ll get done, and when it needs to be finished. It brings together forecasting, resource allocation, and scheduling to keep your shop running smoothly and your production line on track.

Key steps involved:

Demand Forecasting

Start by knowing what needs to be built. Whether it’s based on confirmed sales orders, custom job specs, or forecasted demand, having a clear view of what’s coming down the pipeline helps you line up resources and stay ahead of the curve.

Bill of Materials (BOM) and Routing

Once the job is defined, you need clear BOM and routing information. This outlines every part and component required, plus the sequence of operations needed to complete the product.

Capacity Planning

You need to make sure you have enough resources—machines, materials, and labor—to meet production goals. Capacity planning matches production demand against available machines, materials, and labor to make sure everything stays on track.

Scheduling

This is where everything comes together into a production schedule. You need to allocate resources, sequence tasks, and set realistic timelines that align with customer due dates.

Execution and Monitoring

Once production begins, you need to track progress in real time. Are jobs running on time? Are there unexpected delays or quality issues? Monitoring helps you stay agile and make adjustments as needed.

Review and Optimization

After a job is complete, look at what went right—and what didn’t. Use this data to improve future production plans and eliminate inefficiencies.

How a Production Plan Works in Real Life

Let’s say a manufacturer receives an order for a custom food processing machine. Here’s how a production plan might look:

• Sales and Engineering Input: The customer has unique requirements, so the engineering team creates a custom BOM and 3D model of the product.
• BOM and Routing: The finalized BOM includes all components—stainless steel sheets, motors, sensors, and fasteners. Routing outlines key steps like cutting, welding, electrical assembly, and testing.
• Scheduling: The job is scheduled to start on April 1, with each work center assigned a task. The welder gets three days, the electrician gets two, and testing is booked for the end of the week.
• Material Planning: Based on the BOM, purchasing secures long-lead items and pulls in-stock components.
• Shop Floor Execution: Each department receives its tasks, and real-time progress is tracked using tablets on the shop floor.
• Review: Once the job ships, the team reviews time spent, issues encountered, and overall profitability.

Built for the Way Manufacturers Work

For manufacturers with complex builds or engineer-to-order workflows, Genius ERP makes engineering and production planning more manageable. It replaces scattered spreadsheets and disconnected systems with one centralized platform that keeps everything organized and on track.

Our system is built specifically for manufacturers, with features that support how you actually work. From the first quote to the final shipment, Genius ERP gives you the visibility and control you need to stay efficient and competitive.

Make Engineering and Production Planning Easier with Genius ERP

CAD2BOM Integration: Create BOMs directly from CAD models to eliminate manual data entry and errors. This feature bridges engineering and production by automatically pulling design data into your ERP system.

Engineering Management: Track revisions, manage engineering projects, and keep documentation organized. Engineering teams can work more efficiently and collaborate closely with production.

Advanced Scheduling: Automatically generate realistic production schedules based on available capacity, priorities, and job deadlines. Easily move jobs around as priorities shift.

Shop Floor Management: Give your production team access to real-time work orders, drawings, and instructions at their stations. Monitor progress as it happens.

Inventory and Purchasing: Know what materials are on hand, what’s on order, and when to reorder. Genius helps you avoid shortages and reduce excess inventory.

Job Costing and Reporting: Track actual costs versus estimates to see how profitable each job is. Use that data to improve quotes and future production plans.

Build a Better Plan—and Stick to It

A strong engineering and production plan keeps your shop running smoothly. With the right tools in place, you can line up your resources, stay on schedule, and deliver quality products on time. Genius ERP gives you the control and visibility you need to bring all the pieces together—from engineering through to final delivery—so you can build smarter and work more efficiently.