"The knowledge and skills I gained from this course have been transformative, significantly enhancing my understanding of the processes I encounter daily in my role. It has deepened my expertise in production workflows and the terminology used within my department, equipping me to contribute more effectively to my team and organization."
Soné Trewhella, Sonae Arauco South Africa (Pty) Ltd
"I studied the following SAPICS courses, Basics of Stores & Stock Control (BSSC) and Principles of production & Inventory Management (PPIM), through Marieta Glas Consulting & Training; Both courses have been transformative for me, not only in my career but also in my personal development. They equipped me with the tools and confidence to secure my dream job as a Stock Controller, a role I had aspired to for a long time. Beyond the job itself, these courses have sharpened my forecasting skills, which I now use daily to excel at work and even in planning my personal life. The practical knowledge and strategic thinking I gained have had a lasting impact on how I approach challenges and make decisions."
Thato Mokoena, Stock Controller, Netcare Limited
Introduction
In a competitive manufacturing environment, producing the right product is only part of the challenge. Organisations must also ensure that the right materials are available at the right time, in the right quantities and at the right cost.
Production and inventory management brings together the planning and control activities that enable an organisation to balance customer demand, production capacity, materials availability, inventory investment and operational performance.
When these activities are managed effectively, organisations can improve productivity, reduce unnecessary inventory, respond more effectively to changing demand and make better use of people, equipment and resources.
Achieving these benefits requires people who understand not only individual techniques, but also how production and inventory decisions affect the performance of the entire operation.
About the Course
Principles of Production and Inventory Management is an intermediate-level course designed for individuals who want to develop their knowledge and capability in production planning, inventory management and operations.
Building on a foundation of basic supply chain and operations knowledge, the course takes participants deeper into the principles and practices for planning, coordinating, and controlling manufacturing activities.
Participants develop a broader understanding of how demand, production, materials, inventory, capacity and resources must work together to achieve operational objectives.
The course is particularly valuable for people who already have some exposure to manufacturing, supply chain or operations and want to strengthen their professional knowledge, prepare for greater responsibility or continue towards further study and professional certification.
Who Would Benefit from Attending?
The course is designed for individuals working in, or preparing to enter, production and inventory management and related fields.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Production planning and control personnel
- Inventory and materials management personnel
- Production and operations supervisors
- Supply chain personnel
- Purchasing and procurement personnel
- Warehouse and stores personnel
- Manufacturing and operations personnel
- Engineering and technical personnel
- Finance and accounting personnel involved in inventory and operational costs
- Sales and marketing personnel involved in demand planning
- Data processing, systems and ERP personnel supporting operations
- Employees preparing for increased responsibility in supply chain or operations management
It is also suitable for experienced employees who want to update their knowledge and develop a more integrated understanding of production and inventory management.
Entry Requirements
A minimum educational level of Grade 12 (Matric) is recommended.
As this is an intermediate-level programme, participants should ideally have some prior exposure to manufacturing, supply chain, inventory, production or operations management.
A basic understanding of supply chain and operations management concepts will help participants gain the maximum benefit from the course.
What Will Participants Gain?
On completion of the course, participants will have developed a stronger understanding of how to:
- Understand the role of production and inventory management within the supply chain
- Translate demand requirements into practical production and materials plans
- Understand the relationship between forecasting, planning and production
- Coordinate materials, capacity and production requirements
- Apply fundamental inventory management principles
- Understand the role of stock in supporting customer service and production continuity
- Recognise the costs and risks associated with excessive and insufficient inventory
- Understand the relationship between production planning and shop-floor execution
- Identify factors that influence production performance
- Understand how information flows through production and inventory management systems
- Recognise the importance of accurate data in planning and control
- Understand the role of integrated planning and control in improving operational performance
- Contribute more effectively to cross-functional decision-making
The emphasis throughout the course is on understanding the relationships between the different elements of production and inventory management, rather than treating each activity as an isolated function.
PPIM Course Outline
The course consists of nine learning modules followed by a final examination:
- Manufacturing Strategies and Resource Management
- Product and Process Design
- Forecasting and Forecasting Techniques
- Production Planning and Master Scheduling
- Materials Planning
- Capacity Planning
- Project Management
- Intermittent Production Systems
- Continuous Production Systems
- Mid-Term Exam
- Fundamentals of Inventory Management
- Inventory Methodologies and Lot-Sizing Techniques
- Lean and Waste Elimination
- Purchasing and Procurement
- Warehousing and Materials Handling
- Quality Strategies
- Facility Location and Transportation
- Distribution Management
- Final Exam
Learning Options
The course is non-unit-standard-aligned and non-accredited and is available in three flexible learning formats.
Participants and organisations can select the approach that best matches their learning needs, available time and working environment.
Instructor-Led Training
Ideal for participants who benefit from structured learning, instructor guidance and interaction with other learners.
- Experienced instructors guide participants through the programme
- Structured classroom learning keeps participants focused and on track
- Group discussion connects concepts with workplace experience
- Practical examples reinforce the learning material
- Particularly suitable for company-based group training
- Contact time: 30 hours
Online Instructor-Led Training
Provides structured instructor-led learning without requiring participants to travel to a training venue.
- Experienced instructors deliver the programme online
- Platforms supported include Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet
- Interactive learning environment suitable for individuals and small groups
- Participants can interact directly with the instructor and fellow learners
- Reduces travel time and associated costs
- Contact time: 30 hours
- Examinations are proctored
Self-Study
Provides maximum flexibility for individuals who need to fit their studies around work and other commitments.
- Study from home, work or while travelling
- Learn at your own pace
- Avoid travel to a training venue
- Reduce time and travel costs
- Tutoring support is available if required
- Suitable for individuals who prefer independent learning
- Examinations are proctored
Assessment and Certificate
Learning is assessed through a mid-term and final examination, supported by required homework activities.
The mid-term examination assesses the first part of the programme, while the final examination assesses the remaining course content.
Participants who meet the prescribed assessment requirements will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
The assessments are designed to confirm that participants have understood the key principles covered during the programme and can apply their knowledge to production and inventory management situations.
Why Choose Principles of Production and Inventory Management?
Production and inventory decisions directly affect customer service, working capital, productivity, production continuity, and profitability.
Too little inventory can disrupt production and disappoint customers. Too much inventory ties up capital, consumes valuable space and can hide underlying operational problems.
Likewise, poor production planning can create bottlenecks, idle capacity, high work-in-progress, expediting and unnecessary costs.
Effective production and inventory management is therefore about finding the right balance and making informed decisions across the operation.
Principles of Production and Inventory Management gives participants the knowledge to understand these relationships and contribute more effectively to the planning and control of manufacturing operations.
It is the natural next step for those ready to move beyond the basics of manufacturing and operations and develop a more professional understanding of how production and inventory are planned, coordinated and controlled.