What is essential for a planner to know before releasing an order for manufacturing?

The essential factor for a planner to know before releasing an order for manufacturing is the component stock level. Understanding component stock levels is crucial because it ensures that all necessary materials are available in sufficient quantities to complete the production process without delays. If stock levels are too low, the manufacturing order may result in disruptions, unnecessary downtime, or increased costs due to expedited shipping or last-minute procurement efforts.

In the context of manufacturing, while the delivery schedule provides timelines for when products need to be completed and shipped, it cannot be effectively met without confirming that the required components are on hand. Similarly, though a supplier list is important for sourcing materials, it becomes irrelevant if the planner does not have enough stock available to begin production. Employee schedules, while necessary for managing workforce availability and aligning labor with production needs, do not directly influence the immediate readiness of materials for manufacturing. Thus, monitoring component stock levels is the foundational aspect that underpins successful manufacturing order release.