ABSTRACT
The 'flow of materials' is accompanied by the 'flow of costs' and the raw materials are converted into products with increased value. The driving force of this function is the 'flow of information'. The flow of materials which accompanies the flow of costs proceeds according to the instructions from the flow of information based on market needs. This synergistic action realises high quality, low costs and just-in-time or quick-response delivery. Realisation of this ideal production mode is observed in automated or computer- integrated manufacturing (CIM)-related factories. The process of conversion of resources of production, in particular that of raw materials into tangible goods or products, is called the production processes. Production management deals with the flow of information, by which the flow of materials is managed efficiently, through planning and control techniques. Production objects change and are consumed during production, while production means can be utilised repeatedly during a certain specified length of time.
