# Production control

Operations · `Production control` · verification: source checked

Production control is the task of controlling and pacing production so products flow smoothly and quickly to meet customer requirements. At Toyota, the production control department became a key corporate function that speeds production when behind and restrains it when ahead. In typical mass production firms, production control handles isolated tasks such as material requirements planning and logistics.

## Specification

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Kind | methodology |
| Origin | Toyota |

## Study notes

- Production control adjusts pace: it speeds production when behind and restrains it when ahead.
- At Toyota, production control evolved as a key corporate function.
- In typical mass production firms, production control is responsible for isolated tasks such as material requirements planning and logistics.

## Sources

1. [Production Control - Lean Enterprise Institute](https://www.lean.org/lexicon-terms/production-control/) (accessed 2026-10-25)
2. [lec9_prod_cntl.pdf | Introduction to Operations Management | Sloan School of Management | MIT OpenCourseWare](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/15-760b-introduction-to-operations-management-spring-2004/resources/lec9_prod_cntl/) (accessed 2026-10-25)

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