According To O'NET, What Common Work Activities Are Performed By Production, Planning, And Expediting Clerks? Check All That Apply.- Repairing And Maintaining Mechanical Equipment- Getting Information- Interacting With Computers- Operating Vehicles,

Mar 10, 2025 by ADMIN 250 views

Understanding the Role of Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

What Do Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks Do?

Production, planning, and expediting clerks play a crucial role in the manufacturing and production process. According to the Occupational Information Network (O'NET), these clerks are responsible for a variety of tasks that ensure the smooth operation of production facilities. In this article, we will explore the common work activities performed by production, planning, and expediting clerks.

Common Work Activities of Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

Production, planning, and expediting clerks perform a range of tasks that are essential to the production process. Some of the common work activities performed by these clerks include:

Getting information: Production, planning, and expediting clerks gather and analyze data to ensure that production schedules are met. They may collect information from various sources, including suppliers, manufacturers, and other departments within the company.
Interacting with computers: These clerks use computer software to track production schedules, monitor inventory levels, and communicate with other departments. They may also use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create and modify production plans.
Operating vehicles: In some cases, production, planning, and expediting clerks may be responsible for operating vehicles, such as forklifts or delivery trucks, to transport goods and materials within the production facility.
Repairing and maintaining mechanical equipment: While not always the primary responsibility of production, planning, and expediting clerks, they may be required to perform basic maintenance tasks on mechanical equipment, such as cleaning and lubricating machinery.

Other Responsibilities of Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

In addition to the tasks mentioned above, production, planning, and expediting clerks may also be responsible for:

Coordinating production schedules: These clerks work with production managers and other departments to ensure that production schedules are met and that materials are available when needed.
Monitoring inventory levels: Production, planning, and expediting clerks track inventory levels to ensure that materials are available when needed and that excess inventory is not stored.
Communicating with suppliers: These clerks may be responsible for communicating with suppliers to ensure that materials are delivered on time and that quality standards are met.
Analyzing production data: Production, planning, and expediting clerks analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and to make recommendations for process changes.

Skills and Qualifications Required for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

To be successful in this role, production, planning, and expediting clerks should possess a range of skills and qualifications, including:

Strong communication and organizational skills: These clerks must be able to communicate effectively with production managers, suppliers, and other departments to ensure that production schedules are met.
Basic computer skills: Production, planning, and expediting clerks should be proficient in using computer software, including CAD software and production tracking systems.
Analytical skills: These clerks must be able to analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and to make recommendations for process changes.
Attention to detail: Production, planning, and expediting clerks must be able to track inventory levels and monitor production schedules to ensure that materials are available when needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, production, planning, and expediting clerks play a critical role in the manufacturing and production process. These clerks are responsible for a range of tasks, including getting information, interacting with computers, operating vehicles, and repairing and maintaining mechanical equipment. To be successful in this role, production, planning, and expediting clerks should possess strong communication and organizational skills, basic computer skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail.

Career Outlook for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

The career outlook for production, planning, and expediting clerks is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 4% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for manufactured goods and the need for production facilities to operate efficiently.

Salary Range for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

The salary range for production, planning, and expediting clerks varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for production, planning, and expediting clerks was $55,000 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $80,000 per year, depending on the specific job and location.

Education and Training Requirements for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

To become a production, planning, and expediting clerk, individuals typically need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require a degree in a related field, such as business or supply chain management. Additionally, production, planning, and expediting clerks may benefit from completing courses or training programs in areas such as production planning, inventory management, and supply chain management.

Certifications and Licenses for Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

While not always required, certifications and licenses can be beneficial for production, planning, and expediting clerks. Some common certifications and licenses include:

Certified Production and Inventory Manager (CPIM): This certification is offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and demonstrates expertise in production planning and inventory management.
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): This certification is also offered by the ASCM and demonstrates expertise in supply chain management.
Manufacturing and Production Management Certification: This certification is offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and demonstrates expertise in manufacturing and production management.

Conclusion

Q: What is the primary responsibility of a production, planning, and expediting clerk?

A: The primary responsibility of a production, planning, and expediting clerk is to ensure that production schedules are met and that materials are available when needed. This involves coordinating with production managers, suppliers, and other departments to ensure that production runs smoothly.

Q: What skills are required to be a successful production, planning, and expediting clerk?

A: To be a successful production, planning, and expediting clerk, you should possess strong communication and organizational skills, basic computer skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail. You should also be able to work well under pressure and be able to multitask.

Q: What kind of education and training is required to become a production, planning, and expediting clerk?

A: To become a production, planning, and expediting clerk, you typically need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require a degree in a related field, such as business or supply chain management. Additionally, production, planning, and expediting clerks may benefit from completing courses or training programs in areas such as production planning, inventory management, and supply chain management.

Q: What certifications and licenses are available for production, planning, and expediting clerks?

A: While not always required, certifications and licenses can be beneficial for production, planning, and expediting clerks. Some common certifications and licenses include:

Certified Production and Inventory Manager (CPIM): This certification is offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and demonstrates expertise in production planning and inventory management.
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): This certification is also offered by the ASCM and demonstrates expertise in supply chain management.
Manufacturing and Production Management Certification: This certification is offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) and demonstrates expertise in manufacturing and production management.

Q: What is the career outlook for production, planning, and expediting clerks?

A: The career outlook for production, planning, and expediting clerks is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 4% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for manufactured goods and the need for production facilities to operate efficiently.

Q: What is the salary range for production, planning, and expediting clerks?

A: The salary range for production, planning, and expediting clerks varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for production, planning, and expediting clerks was $55,000 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $80,000 per year, depending on the specific job and location.

Q: What are some common challenges faced by production, planning, and expediting clerks?

A: Some common challenges faced by production, planning, and expediting clerks include:

Managing inventory levels: Production, planning, and expediting clerks must ensure that inventory levels are adequate to meet production demands, while also minimizing excess inventory.
Coordinating with suppliers: These clerks must communicate effectively with suppliers to ensure that materials are delivered on time and that quality standards are met.
Analyzing production data: Production, planning, and expediting clerks must analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and to make recommendations for process changes.

Q: What are some tips for success as a production, planning, and expediting clerk?

A: Some tips for success as a production, planning, and expediting clerk include:

Develop strong communication and organizational skills: These skills are essential for coordinating with production managers, suppliers, and other departments.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Production, planning, and expediting clerks should stay informed about the latest developments in production planning, inventory management, and supply chain management.
Be proactive and flexible: These clerks should be able to adapt to changing circumstances and be proactive in identifying and addressing potential problems.

Q: What are some resources available for production, planning, and expediting clerks?

A: Some resources available for production, planning, and expediting clerks include:

Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM): The ASCM offers certifications, training programs, and resources for production, planning, and expediting clerks.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET): The NICET offers certifications and training programs for production, planning, and expediting clerks.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information on employment opportunities, salary ranges, and industry trends for production, planning, and expediting clerks.