Master Scheduler vs. Production Planner: What Are the Differences?

A career in production planning or master scheduling can be both challenging and rewarding. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in production planning, it’s important to understand the similarities and differences between these two positions. In this article, we discuss the job duties, education requirements and salary expectations for both production planners and master schedulers. We also provide helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in production planning.

What is a Master Scheduler?

The Master Scheduler is responsible for creating and maintaining the master production schedule (MPS). The MPS is a plan that indicates when each product will be produced and how many units of each product will be produced. The Master Scheduler uses input from the sales and operations planning process to create the MPS. They consider factors such as customer demand, production capacity, and lead time when creating the schedule. The Master Scheduler also works with the production planner to ensure that the MPS is achievable and to make changes to the schedule as needed.

What is a Production Planner?

A Production Planner is responsible for creating and maintaining production schedules to ensure that manufacturing operations run smoothly and efficiently. They work closely with production managers, engineers and other staff to develop production plans that balance the needs of the company with the capabilities of the workforce. Production Planners also track progress against the production schedule and make adjustments as needed to ensure that deadlines are met. They may also be responsible for forecasting future production needs and ensuring that the necessary materials and resources are available when needed.

Master Scheduler vs. Production Planner

Here are the main differences between a master scheduler and a production planner.

Job Duties

Production planners create schedules for their teams to follow. They determine which tasks need to be completed on what days and at what times, then communicate this information to the employees who work under them. Production planners also monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary.

Master schedulers oversee production planning by providing feedback and making changes where necessary. They may also schedule shifts for production planners and other members of the production team. In addition, master schedulers manage workflow by monitoring production and making sure that products reach the shipping stage on time.

Job Requirements

Master schedulers and production planners typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, industrial engineering or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many professionals in these roles pursue certifications through the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). These programs teach professionals how to use scheduling software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Production planners typically work in manufacturing or construction environments. They may travel to different sites and meet with clients, vendors and other stakeholders to discuss project details. Master schedulers usually work in office settings where they can access the necessary information for their projects. This allows them to complete tasks more quickly than production planners who often need to visit a site to gather data.

Skills

Master schedulers and production planners both use similar skills, such as organization, multitasking and time management. They also both need to have an understanding of the manufacturing process and be able to read blueprints.

However, there are some key differences in the skills each position requires. Master schedulers need to have strong analytical skills to be able to forecast future demand and understand how that will impact the company’s production schedule. They also need to be able to use software programs to create and track the production schedule. Production planners do not typically need to have as strong of analytical skills because they are working with existing data to create a production schedule that meets customer demand. However, they do need to be able to use software programs to create and track the production schedule.

Salary

The average salary for a master scheduler is $79,080 per year, while the average salary for a production planner is $67,127 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.