Busisiwe Ndlovu
Production Planner
Olifantsfontein
Summary
With close to a decade of dedicated experience as a production planner in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table. My proficiency lies in refining production workflows, accurately forecasting demand, and adeptly managing inventory levels. As a collaborative team player, I am deeply committed to driving continuous process improvement and upholding the highest quality standards. My skill set ensures that I am a valuable asset to any operation seeking efficiency and excellence in production planning.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Planner
Veer Aluminium
12.2022 - 09.2024
- Created production forecasting plans utilizing Excel spreadsheet tools and input from production and management teams.
- Reviewed inventories, tracked production statuses and ordered materials to foster consistent availability and production schedule adherence.
- Developed production schedules according to deadlines for existing orders and sales forecasting.
- Allocated necessary resources, including materials, labour and equipment to meet the estimated demand.
- Facilitated smooth handovers between shifts by maintaining clear communication channels and thorough documentation practices.
- Worked directly with production personnel to resolve production scheduling issues and conflicts.
- Presented updated order and production status reports to sales staff and management.
- Analyzed capacity constraints for optimal resource allocation, maximizing throughput while minimizing costs.
- Used EPICS to monitor and record production resources for all facets of product planning, development, manufacturing and sales.
- Managed change requests effectively, balancing priorities while minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations.
- Conducted regular reviews of demand forecasts, adjusting production schedules as needed to maintain optimal inventory levels without compromising customer service standards.
- Improved on-time delivery rates with diligent tracking of orders and proactive communication with stakeholders.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify process improvements, resulting in increased productivity levels.
- Reduced lead times by closely monitoring production schedules and addressing bottlenecks promptly.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive team environment that encouraged knowledge sharing and skill development opportunities.
- Contributed to cost reduction efforts by identifying areas for potential savings within the production planning process, leading to increased profitability.
- Developed and maintained automated tracking systems, hard copy files and records to enhance office workflows.
- Participated in root cause analysis exercises to address quality concerns, fostering a culture of continuous improvement among team members.
Acting Dispatch Coordinator
Veer Aluminium
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Strategically forecasted manpower needs aligning with daily workloads and organizational goals.
- Efficiently scheduled deliveries to meet customer demands and maximize route efficiency.
- Proactively engaged with customers to confirm and coordinate delivery schedules.
- Ensured accurate loading of goods for dispatch through vigilant monitoring.
- Diligently recorded and maintained inventory levels for optimal stock management.
- Conducted thorough inspections of incoming goods to ensure accuracy, quality, and completeness.
- Monitored driver locations in field and solved discrepancies to keep team on-track.
- Coordinated regular inspections of vehicles and scheduled preventive maintenance.
- Controlled costs with optimized route plan to maximize daily appointments and minimize time or field waste.
- Developed strong relationships with clients by providing consistent updates on shipment statuses and addressing concerns promptly.
Production Scheduler
Hulamin Extrusions
04.2014 - 11.2019
- Generated sales orders from purchase orders.
- Printed job files and attached relevant drawings for production teams.
- Developed production schedules from the master production schedule.
- Determined production lead times according to customer demands and regions.
- Replanned production shortages for reloading.
- Communicated order progress with relevant departments.
- Generated and controlled reserved capacity for priority orders.
- Generated production stats and status reports for management review meetings.
- Determined shifts, raw materials and equipment availability for various production lines.
- Perform quality inspections.
- Initiated and implemented continuous process improvement projects.
Junior process technician
Hulamin Extrusions
01.2012 - 03.2014
- Conducted time studies at different working stations.
- Conducted and analyzed aging oven surveys.
- Reviewed and revised production SOPs.
- Set process parameters.
- Wrote technical reports.
- Calibrated hardness testers and microscopes.
- Performed quality inspections.
- General administrative duties.
- Trained new technicians in proper usage of equipment, safety protocols, and company procedures, ensuring a high level of competence across the team.
- Performed maintenance on machinery and escalated major malfunctions to supervisor for immediate assistance.
Education
Higher National Certificate - Operations management
University of Cape Town
01.2021
Bachelor of Technology - Engineering Metallurgy
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria01.2018
Higher National Diploma - Engineering Metallurgy
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg01.2014
Grade 12 - undefined
Emshukantambo High School
Johannesburg01.2004
Skills
Capacity planning and scheduling
Demand forecasting
Organizational and multitasking
Proficiency in planning software ( EPICS, BES)
Data analysis and reporting
Problem-solving abilities
Decision-making
Continuous improvement
Excellent communication
Analytical thinking
Adaptability and reliability
References
- Velaphi, Mabuza, 0734869973, Veer Aluminium
- Edgar, Lehobo, 0740767886, Hulamin Extrusions
Timeline
Acting Dispatch Coordinator
Veer Aluminium
01.2023 - 06.2023
Production Planner
Veer Aluminium
12.2022 - 09.2024
Production Scheduler
Hulamin Extrusions
04.2014 - 11.2019
Junior process technician
Hulamin Extrusions
01.2012 - 03.2014
Bachelor of Technology - Engineering Metallurgy
Tshwane University of Technology
Higher National Diploma - Engineering Metallurgy
University of Johannesburg
Grade 12 - undefined
Emshukantambo High School
Higher National Certificate - Operations management
University of Cape Town