A dispatch list is a tool used in manufacturing to ensure that the correct parts and materials are delivered to the assembly line at the right time. This ensures that production is running smoothly and on schedule.
It also helps keep track of inventory levels and makes it easy to identify which parts need to be ordered. In a nutshell, the dispatch list is an essential part of any manufacturing operation.
In this blog post, we’ll look closer at the definition of a dispatch list, its format, and its advantages.
Definition
A Dispatch List is a document that contains a detailed listing of all the goods that need to be produced based on priority.
It is generally shared with the production team via the internal system or a hard copy.
It holds all the essential information that the production team must know before starting their jobs.
It contains the quantity, priority, location, and expected products manufactured in a specified order.
Creating a dispatch list is crucial as it translates production planning into action.
Hence, it is also essential to check the inventory and demand before communicating to the respective production team.
Manufacturing companies are often required to produce an item, in total, before moving on to the following product. Therefore, once the first job is processed, it can’t go back into inventory or order-carrying status until every production order has been fulfilled.
These lists usually precede inventory orders unless they are currently being processed per customer service requests for repair/returns.
This ensures that no work remains undone during periods of high demand and allows more time between productions for tasks such as cleaning, with less probability of finishing orders on time.
Dispatch List Format
The dispatch list includes, for example, how much it will cost to make each product and the amount of labor needed for assembly. It also has what materials are required before manufacturing can begin.
These lists are usually dated or numbered with their time slots to know which order they should work in according to when they come in each morning.
Dispatch lists are an essential part of packing up products at the end of the day because it helps workers decide which packages must be sent out first.
Advantages
- It helps determine the required order for production and decide which job should be assigned to which worker based on their caliber and skill.
- It helps plan an appropriate production schedule phase by phase, ensuring smooth production and meeting the expected demand for a specific time.
- It helps put a production plan into use and start acting on the same.
- Each workstation has a specified task. It helps the managers know what is expected of them to deliver on that day and will also help aim and motivate the workforce to achieve the same.
The dispatch list helps in organizing and managing the manufacturing process. It ensures that each step is completed correctly and that the correct parts are available when needed. This reduces waste and improves efficiency.
Additionally, dispatch lists can help identify potential problems before they cause severe disruptions in production. Finally, dispatch lists can help to ensure that safety regulations are followed throughout the manufacturing process.
Conclusion
As shown in this blog post, there are many ways that dispatch lists can be used to increase efficiency and reduce the amount of time spent on tasks.
Dispatching is a vital manufacturing area for any company that wants its products to come out quickly with high quality.
The key is knowledge; you must know when it’s appropriate to use each type of dispatch list, so your team spends less time figuring things out during production.
Get more definitions about the Dispatch list and other ERP-related terms here.
