Without explicit goals, production becomes reactive. Goal-setting transforms the production plan from a document into an active management framework, helping designers:
- Stay on schedule
- Allocate time and resources efficiently
- Identify problems early and respond proactively
- Produce a quality outcome within project constraints
SMART goals
Goals should be:
- Specific: clearly defined task (‘complete the base framework’ not ‘do some woodwork’)
- Measurable: defined outcome that can be verified (‘all joints glued and clamped by end of session’)
- Achievable: realistic given available time, skills, and resources
- Relevant: directly contributes to completing the final product
- Time-bound: deadline for each goal (‘completed by session 3’)
Session goals
Before each production session, identify:
- What will be completed in this session?
- What materials, tools, and setup are required?
- What is the priority if time runs short?
Milestone goals
Set major checkpoints aligned with production plan stages:
- ‘By week 3: all components cut to size’
- ‘By week 5: assembly complete, ready for surface finishing’
- ‘By week 7: finishing complete; product ready for photography and evaluation’
Efficiency: Doing things with minimal wasted time, material, or effort
- Track time spent per task vs. estimated time
- Identify bottlenecks (where time is lost) and address them
- Plan ahead to avoid waiting (adhesive curing, machine availability)
Effectiveness: Achieving the intended outcome — the right result, not just fast output
- Check quality at each step before proceeding
- A fast but incorrect cut wastes material and time on rework
Monitoring methods:
- Updated Gantt chart: actual vs planned progress visualised
- Production journal entries: written record of what was achieved and any obstacles
- Photographic record: visual evidence of progress at each session
- Quality checks at checkpoints: measure, inspect, test before moving to the next step
| Resource | Management Strategy |
|---|---|
| Materials | Order/source early; check stock before starting each step; minimise waste through careful layout |
| Tools | Book machines in advance; maintain and sharpen tools; confirm availability before planning sessions |
| Workspace | Set up before production sessions; clean and store after; respect shared workspace needs |
| Budget | Track actual spend vs. budget; adjust material choices if over-budget |
| Information | Refer to working drawings; check criteria; consult production plan before each step |
Progress reports should:
- Describe what was completed (specific, not vague)
- Compare actual progress to the plan (on track, ahead, behind)
- Explain any deviations and what was done to address them
- Identify what needs to happen in the next session to stay on track
KEY TAKEAWAY: Effective production management combines clear goals, systematic monitoring, and responsive resource allocation. It is a skill demonstrated through documentation, not just by the finished product.
EXAM TIP: If asked about managing production, address goals, monitoring, time management, and at least one other resource. Don’t just describe what the production plan contains — explain how it is used to manage production.
