What is OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT?

It refers to the field of management that focuses on

planning, overseeing, and controlling the processes, and
activities involved in the production of goods and services
within an organization. It also involves the managing of
day-day operations, processes, and the effective and
efficient use of resources, quality, and customer
satisfaction. These are the key operations management
aspects:
1. Process Design and Improvement - Operations managers
design and refine processes to ensure that products and services are
produced efficiently and meet quality standards. This involves analyzing
workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing improvements.

2. Capacity Planning - Operations managers determine the optimal

capacity levels for product considering factors like demand, available
resources, and lead times.

3. Inventory Management - Managing inventory levels is essential

to prevent stock outs and minimize carrying costs. Operations managers
ensure that the right amount of inventory is available at the right time.

4. Quality Control - Maintaining quality is a primary focus. Operations

managers implement quality control measures to ensure that products and
services meet or exceed customer expectations.

5. Supply Chain Management - Coordinating the flow of materials,

information, and products across the supply chain is crucial. Operations
managers work to optimize the supply chain for efficiency and cost-
effectiveness.
6. Logistics Management - Managing the transportation,
distribution, and storage of goods is a key responsibility. Operations
managers ensure that products reach customers in a timely manner.

7. Scheduling - Operations managers create production schedules to

allocate resources and manage workloads effectively.

8. Lean and Six Sigma Principles - These methodologies aim to

minimize waste and variation in processes, leading to greater efficiency
and quality. Operations managers often implement these principles.

9. Continuous Improvement - Operations managers are involved in

ongoing efforts to identify opportunities for improvement and implement
changes to enhance processes and performance.

10. Risk Management - Anticipating and managing potential risks

that could impact operations is vital. Operations managers develop
strategies to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.

Operations management is critical in a wide range of

industries: Manufacturing, Services, Healthcare, Logistics,
etc. It aims to align various functions within an
organization to work together seamlessly to achieve
operational excellence and deliver value to customers.