Production, Planning and Expediting Clerks

Working Schedule
 

• Production, planning, and expediting clerks typically hold full-time positions, with many roles working standard Monday through Friday schedules
• Certain jobs require night, weekend, and holiday shifts
• Schedules can be impacted by various unforeseen issues, and at times employees may need to work overtime to avoid delays in production or transport

Typical Duties

• Work in locations such as production plants and warehouses and help keep them clean, well-lit, climate-controlled, and hazard-free
• Engage with external sources such as customers, vendors, and agencies 
• Routinely collaborate with other elements of a company, such as transportation
• Review, revise, and distribute work schedules, orders, and other documents to ensure requirements are met in a timely fashion
• Order and maintain inventories of items needed to produce goods
• Manage the logistical arrangement for incoming and outgoing goods
• Ensure processes are adaptable to changes, such as shortages or disruptions
• Monitor and keep records on inventory, budget, production numbers, billing, and quality assurance/compliance data 
• Forecast production materials needed, costs, timetables, sales, and personnel needs

Additional Responsibilities

• Meet with supervisors, managers, and members from other sections of the company to review processes and keep things on track
• Coordinate the procurement, maintenance, and repair of equipment
• Order a wide range of supplies and materials 
• Resolve complaints, HR matters, and workflow interruptions
• Route and deliver parts to ensure production quotas are met 
• Conduct visits to vendor or customer locations 

Soft Skills

• Analytical thinking with the ability to envision “the big picture” of logistics
• Close listening and attention to minute details
• Ability to solve complex problems promptly
• Phone etiquette and customer-oriented communication skills
• Focus and efficient time management skills
• Sharp organizational skills
• Comfortable in large, busy environments
• A keen eye for reading and noting specific details 
• Resilience and composure 
• Reliability 
• Resourcefulness and leadership
• Skills for coordinating operations and directing the duties of others
• Sound judgment and decision-making, sometimes under pressure

Technical Skills

• Math and general clerical skills
• Knowledge of using IT equipment
• Knowledge of accounting, database, inventory, scheduling, and document management applications
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Macintosh software, Google apps, and calendar software
• Presentation software and tools such as PowerPoint and Prezi
• Familiarity with barcodes, scanners, RFID tags, blockchain, and other technologies

• Aerospace Industry 
• Apparel Wholesalers    
• Architectural
• Engineering
• Federal Agencies
• Iron and Steel Mills 
• Machinery Manufacturing
• Medical Industry
• Merchant Wholesalers
• Ship Building    
• Warehousing and Storage

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks have jobs that demand following strict routines. They’re expected to handle pressure, make independent decisions, and direct others as needed. At times there may be little interaction with others, as they focus on tasks. Other times are hectic and involve coordinating with many people. 
 
Much of the work is done indoors, often in a large open area without a lot of privacy. Adherence to timetables is essential. During holidays, when large shipments arrive, or when things get behind schedule, work hours may be extended. This requires flexibility at times, which is challenging for some employees (especially those in college, and who have families or other commitments). Starting pay may not be the best, but workers can earn a good salary as they gain experience. 

Many sectors are seeing the impact of automation in their work centers. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk duties are “difficult to substitute with technology.” Meanwhile, it is vital to keep up with changes as related fields experience shifts. 
 
Blockchain and the Internet-of-Things are quickly emerging as crucial technologies for tracking and tracing products. Clerks working in areas such as Shipping and Receiving may notice more changes as technology merges with their fields. As with any company, changes in one area can affect others. 

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the types of personalities that match with this career field. Growing up, many workers liked hobbies that involved following procedures, such as assembling LEGO sets. They took comfort in predictable routines at home, knowing what to expect from day to day or even hour to hour. They might have been frequently called “reliable” or “dependable,” or known as a person others could count on to get something done. 
 
Some may have been introverted, enjoying digging into the details of a project, or focusing closely on a specific task. However, others liked to take charge, leading or assisting with the management of big group activities. A few common traits are the ability to deal with pressure, focus on goals, make decisions, meet deadlines, and work together with others to overcome problems and accomplish things as a team.