Implementing manufacturing strategy through strategic production planning

Identifies the need for a formal mechanism aiming to integrate operational decisions both horizontally, between different functional areas, and vertically, within the manufacturing function. Outlines some of the desired characteristics of a potential method to fulfil the aforementioned need and proposes that the integration should be done under the domain of the production planning process. Partial results of a running field research on the theme among manufacturing companies in Brazil are presented and discussed.