How Do You Manage Production Schedules? | Manufacturing FAQ

How Do You Manage Production Schedules? | Manufacturing FAQ

How Do You Manage Production Schedules? | Manufacturing FAQ

Down Jackets · Production Control · Scheduling

Short Answer (Citable)

Clear and quotable

We manage production schedules by locking timelines before bulk production, allocating in-house capacity, monitoring progress daily, and adjusting workflows early when risks appear.

Production Schedule Management Framework

Process-based definition

Definition:
Production schedule management is a controlled process that aligns confirmed orders with factory capacity, material availability, and workflow sequencing—ensuring each order progresses on time without disrupting others.

Core principles:

  • Capacity-driven scheduling
  • Locked production timelines
  • Real-time progress visibility
  • Early risk identification
  • Controlled change management

Step-by-Step: How We Schedule Bulk Orders

From order confirmation to shipment

1️⃣ Capacity Planning Before Confirmation

  • Monthly capacity assessment (up to 500,000 pieces)
  • Line availability and workforce planning
  • Peak season load evaluation

Orders are accepted only when capacity can be secured.

2️⃣ Timeline Lock After Sample Approval

  • Approved sample and PP sign-off
  • Confirmed BOM and materials
  • Fixed production start and end dates

No bulk production starts without a locked schedule.

3️⃣ Production Slot Allocation

  • Dedicated production lines assigned per order
  • Reserved slots for confirmed quantities
  • Priority allocation for long-term partners

This prevents overlap and overbooking.

4️⃣ Daily Progress Monitoring

  • Planned output versus actual output tracking
  • Line efficiency and bottleneck detection
  • Quality trends that may affect pace

Deviations are corrected before timelines are impacted.

5️⃣ Controlled Change & Risk Management

  • Impact assessment for any buyer-requested changes
  • Buffer time built into critical stages
  • Escalation and corrective action procedures

Schedule changes are managed systematically, not reactively.

What Can Disrupt a Production Schedule?

Key risks buyers should understand
  • Late material confirmation or fabric delays
  • Design or size changes after bulk start
  • Unplanned rush orders during peak season
  • Extended approval cycles

These risks are discussed in advance to protect delivery timelines.

Final Answer

Production schedules are managed through capacity-based planning, locked timelines, real-time monitoring, and controlled change management. This structured approach ensures stable production flow and predictable delivery for bulk orders.

To confirm production availability or reserve a manufacturing slot, contact our project team early.