Production control terminology: does follow-up prescribe the operation sequence? Evaluate the statement: “Follow-up prescribes the sequence of operations to be followed.”

Introduction / Context:
Production Planning and Control uses several coordinated functions: routing, scheduling, dispatching, and follow-up (expediting). Precise terminology avoids confusion on the shop floor and in exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Routing determines the operation sequence and work centers.
• Scheduling assigns start/finish times.
• Dispatching issues orders to move and execute work.
• Follow-up (expediting) monitors progress and removes bottlenecks.

Concept / Approach:
The statement incorrectly attributes routing’s role (operation sequence) to follow-up. Follow-up measures actual progress against the plan, finds delays, and initiates corrective actions. It does not design the route sheets nor decide the sequence initially.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify definitions: routing = sequence; follow-up = monitoring and expediting.Assess claim: the statement gives routing’s job to follow-up → incorrect.Therefore, mark “Incorrect”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard PPC texts show routing sheets created before scheduling/dispatch; follow-up reports compare planned vs actual and trigger interventions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(C), (D), (E) present conditions that still do not shift the responsibility for sequence determination away from routing.

Common Pitfalls:
Using “follow-up” as a catch-all term; assuming expeditors define process plans; ignoring the chronological order of PPC functions.

Final Answer:
Incorrect