What is dispatching?

Short Answer:

Dispatching is the process of issuing production orders and instructions to start the actual manufacturing work on the shop floor. It involves sending necessary information like work orders, materials, tools, and job cards to the concerned departments or workers.

The main goal of dispatching is to ensure that the planned operations begin at the right time and are carried out efficiently. It acts as a link between production planning and actual production activities, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of jobs.

Detailed Explanation:

Dispatching

Dispatching is an important function of production control that deals with the execution phase of production. After planning and scheduling are completed, dispatching gives authorization to start the manufacturing process. It involves issuing orders, instructions, and necessary documents to workers or machines for carrying out the planned operations.

In simple terms, dispatching is the process of putting the production plan into action. It ensures that the right job starts at the right place and at the right time with all required materials and instructions. The dispatching department coordinates with all production sections to avoid delays and confusion during manufacturing.

Dispatching serves as a bridge between planning and production. While planning defines what and when work should be done, dispatching ensures how and by whom it will be done. It gives life to the production plan by initiating the work on the shop floor.

Objectives of Dispatching

The main objectives of dispatching are as follows:

  1. To initiate production: To give authorization to start the job according to the production plan.
  2. To supply instructions: To provide workers with details such as operation sequence, machine allocation, tools, and materials.
  3. To coordinate activities: To ensure smooth coordination between departments like planning, stores, and production.
  4. To maintain workflow: To avoid idle time by ensuring that all required resources are available before starting work.
  5. To ensure timely completion: To monitor work progress and maintain delivery schedules.

Through these objectives, dispatching ensures that production runs efficiently and smoothly.

Functions of Dispatching

Dispatching involves several important functions that help execute the production plan effectively:

  1. Issue of Work Orders: The dispatching department prepares and issues work orders specifying the details of operations to be performed, machines to be used, and quantities to be produced.
  2. Movement of Materials: It ensures that the necessary raw materials, components, and tools reach the work centers before work begins.
  3. Tool and Equipment Supply: Dispatching provides the required tools, fixtures, and gauges to workers or machines.
  4. Issuing Job Tickets: Job tickets or job cards are issued to workers, containing details of the work, time allowed, and wages or incentives.
  5. Inspection Orders: It provides instructions for inspection at different stages to maintain product quality.
  6. Recording Production Data: Dispatching also records details like starting time, completion time, and quantity produced to track production performance.

Each of these functions ensures that the production plan is executed in a well-organized manner.

Types of Dispatching

There are generally two types of dispatching used in manufacturing systems:

  1. Centralized Dispatching:
    • In this system, all dispatching activities are controlled from a central dispatching office.
    • Work orders and instructions are issued from a single point to all departments.
    • It ensures better coordination and control but may lead to some delays in large factories.
  2. Decentralized Dispatching:
    • In this system, dispatching activities are handled separately in each department or work center.
    • It allows faster communication and flexibility but may create coordination problems.

The choice between centralized and decentralized dispatching depends on the size and nature of the production system.

Steps in Dispatching

The dispatching process usually involves the following steps:

  1. Receiving Production Schedule: The dispatching department receives the production schedule from the planning section.
  2. Preparation of Dispatch Orders: Detailed orders are prepared specifying job numbers, machines, tools, materials, and time limits.
  3. Distribution of Orders: The orders are distributed to the respective departments or work centers.
  4. Issue of Materials and Tools: The required materials and tools are sent to the shop floor.
  5. Authorization of Work: Workers are authorized to start the job as per the given instructions.
  6. Recording Progress: Dispatching also monitors and records the progress of each job for future control and analysis.

This systematic process ensures proper communication and execution of production plans.

Importance of Dispatching

Dispatching is a key link between planning and execution. Its importance can be summarized as follows:

  • It ensures that work starts on time and follows the correct sequence.
  • It helps avoid production delays by ensuring the availability of materials and tools.
  • It enables close coordination between departments.
  • It improves shop floor efficiency by preventing machine and labor idleness.
  • It provides accurate production data for performance evaluation.

In short, dispatching ensures that the production system operates as planned and that work proceeds without interruptions.

Advantages of Dispatching

  • Smooth and continuous production flow.
  • Better utilization of manpower and machinery.
  • Improved coordination and communication among departments.
  • Reduction in production delays and idle time.
  • Helps in maintaining product quality and meeting deadlines.

By ensuring timely execution of planned activities, dispatching contributes to higher productivity and better control over manufacturing operations.

Conclusion:

Dispatching is a vital part of production control that initiates and monitors the actual execution of manufacturing operations. It translates the production plan into action by issuing work orders, supplying materials and tools, and guiding workers. Effective dispatching minimizes delays, improves resource utilization, and ensures timely completion of jobs. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in maintaining an efficient and well-organized production system.