When does production control start in the production cycle?

Production control plays a critical role in managing and overseeing the manufacturing process to ensure that production runs smoothly and efficiently. It begins right at the stage when purchasing raw materials. This is vital because the quality and quantity of the raw materials directly impact the production process, product quality, and overall efficiency.

By implementing production control when raw materials are purchased, businesses can ensure that they select the right suppliers, manage inventory levels, and forecast demand accurately. This proactive approach allows companies to monitor and manage production inputs from the very beginning, which helps in maintaining quality standards and reducing waste.

In contrast, starting production control before product conception or during the research and development phase would not effectively address the actual production process since those phases are more focused on planning and design rather than execution. Similarly, commencing production control after final inspection would be too late to address issues that arise during production, thereby undermining the effectiveness of quality management practices.