At which planning level is Aggregate Production Planning typically categorized?

Aggregate Production Planning is categorized as intermediate or medium-term planning because it focuses on balancing supply and demand over a specific period, typically ranging from about 3 to 18 months. This level of planning is crucial for resource allocation, capacity management, and ensuring that production levels align with market demand without committing to long-term investment or making immediate operational adjustments.

In aggregate production planning, organizations develop strategies to meet expected demand by determining the appropriate production rates, workforce levels, inventory levels, and other operational parameters. This distinguishes it from long-term planning, which deals with strategic decisions over several years, and short-term execution, which focuses on day-to-day operations. Real-time operations management addresses immediate operational issues and adjustments but does not encompass the broader planning horizon that aggregate production planning demands.