What are the Main Functions of Operations Management?

Operations management is a critical component of supply chain and operations management. It is responsible for the overall planning, organization, direction, and control of all activities within the organization. This includes managing production systems within the context of the organization's IT infrastructure, forecasting product demand, and undertaking continuous improvement initiatives. Operations management also involves streamlining scheduling, production planning, inventory control, procurement, and quality control processes.

In addition to process management, operations management also focuses on finance to ensure that the product supplied to customers is of a high standard. This includes creating a good or service that is satisfactory to the customer, but also allows a fair benefit to the business. Quality management is also included in operations management, which involves having a dedicated team that ensures consistency and corrects any defects. IT operations management is another important aspect of operations management.

This involves managing production systems within the context of the organization's IT infrastructure. It also includes focusing on finance in managing operations to ensure that the product supplied to customers is of a high standard. Marketing operations and sales operations are an important input in this process, as planned marketing promotions and sales initiatives can have an impact on forecasting. The most important aspect of operations management is to ensure that it adapts to market trends and is a durable product that customers will prefer.

This includes designing a product with a “greener” state of mind to ensure that the production of a product has less impact on the environment. Operations management also involves configuring the supply chain to ensure the effective management, monitoring and control of all the core activities carried out in a company. The key functions of operations management include product and process design, creation of plant designs, execution of material handling methods, material management, maintenance, quality control and production planning control. It also involves acquiring and maintaining the right workforce and technology.

The role in operations management is primarily concerned with planning, organizing, directing and controlling all the activities of an organization.