A production analyst is responsible primarily for managing computer programs and processes that run in the background of large computer systems. Becoming a production analyst means having a positive attitude and an internal drive to be successful. Production analysts should have excellent interpersonal skills and should have the ability to remain calm under stressful situations while performing multiple detailed tasks.

Tasks and Duties

Production analysts’ responsibilities include analyzing systems, reviewing production work orders to ensure accuracy, completing weekly and monthly production activity reports and resolving inventory imbalances. Production analysts should have excellent oral and written communication skills, organization and time management skills, the ability to deal with many details, the ability to maintain a professional attitude under stressful situations and have knowledge of the principles and processes involved in tracking material. A few other tasks production analysts perform are preparing reports for management, general clerical duties and performing quality checks on finished work.

Qualifications and Training

Production analysts must have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer technology or accounting and have a technical knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, QuickBooks, Power Point and Scheduler. Also, production analysts must be familiar with equipment such as scanners, printers, voice-mail systems, modems, fax machines, copy machines and computers. Experience in product activity control, finance, accounting analysis,material tracking function and manufacturing operations are preferred before landing a position as a production analyst. Production analysts must also be assertive, detail-oriented, fluent in English and must be able to work independently.

Salary

A production analyst can make anywhere from $39,626 to $62,251 according to 2010 figures from PayScale.com. The salary of a production analyst can vary depending on the size of the company a production analyst works for, his or her educational experience and his or her professional experience.

Work Environment

Most production analysts work in a casual business office setting around computers. Professionalism is necessary at all times when on the clock.

Physical Demands

Production analysts may have to sit at their office desks for long periods. The ability to lift at least 40 lbs. is required, and walking is necessary.

Personal Characteristics

Successful production analysts must possess characteristics such as a professional demeanor, a willingness to be a part of a team and the ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with staff, clients and vendors.