Block planning
Block planning is an industrial planning system used for in-house production. A product type can be produced in different variations using the same resources and following the same basic process plan. Block planning supports the production planning and scheduling for this type of system. A block represents a pre-defined sequence of production orders of variable size.
Block planning enables the planning or pre-assignment of resource capacities in the production process for products with specific attributes. It enables a more rational and efficient use of those capacities. Blocks are defined with specific duration and attributes, for example, three days per block on which products are manufactured in various colours.
In piece-oriented sectors such as metal and paper production, upstream planning is often used to define the type of products and which attributes are to be produced. This typically relates to plant needing to be set up in a particular way, when it is inefficient in terms of time and costs to change the set-up more than is necessary.
There is more emphasis, in piece-oriented production, on the resource for which only one production step is executed. It is usual for an order for run over several resources, in which each of the operations could be grouped according to different aspects.
By contrast, the process industry commonly groups several orders together as a ‘campaign’, which is more defined by the material characteristics of the end product. The emphasis is more on an order level, as the process cannot normally be interrupted once it has begun.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Advanced manufacturing.
- Agile.
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
- Just-in-time manufacturing.
- Lean construction.
- Line of balance (LOB).
- Logistics management.
- Major cast metal components.
- Metal fabrication.
- Modular buildings.
- Offsite manufacturing.
- Output-based specification.
- Prefabrication.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.