Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Production Planner
What production planners actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a production planner?
Review overnight output. From there, the day usually includes build production schedules, check material availability, and release work orders. Full-time hours, sometimes longer during crunches.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a production planner working full time.
- Review overnight output.
- Update the schedule.
- Chase a late shipment.
- Release work orders.
- Meet production supervisors.
- Reschedule for a machine breakdown.
- Update customer dates.
Where production planners work
Planners work in plant offices and on the floor.
Hours and schedule
Full-time hours, sometimes longer during crunches.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Build production schedules
- Check material availability
- Release work orders
- Expedite late materials
- Track job progress
- Update delivery dates
- Coordinate with purchasing
Tools you’ll use every day
- ERP/MRP systems
- Excel
- Scheduling software
- Barcode systems
- Dashboards
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Every plant needs planning
- No degree required
- Problem-solving work
- Path to supply chain
What’s hard
- Constant schedule changes
- Pressure from all sides
- Late suppliers
- Little growth
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like puzzles
- I’m organized
- I follow up relentlessly
- I stay calm when plans change
- I like spreadsheets
- I want a supply chain career
Not sure? Take the free Production Planner fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow floor safety rules
- Wear PPE on the floor
- Don’t rush unsafe work
- Report hazards