The paper reviews 'classic approaches' to Production Planning and Control (PPC) such as Kanban, Workload Control (WLC) and Theory of Constrains (TOC), and elaborates upon the emergence of techniques such as Constant Work in Progress (CONWIP), Paired cell Overlapping Loops of Cards with Authorisation (POLCA) and e-based Supply Chain Management (SCM) solutions. A critical assessment of the approaches from the point of view of various sectors of the Make to Order (MTO) Industry is presented. The paper considers factors such as company size, degree of customisation and shop floor configuration and shows them to play a large role in the applicability of planning and control concepts. The paper heightens the awareness of researchers and practitioners to the PPC options, aids managerial system selection decision-making, and highlights the importance of a clear implementation strategy. WLC emerges as the most effective Job Shop solution; whilst for other configurations there are several alternatives depending on individual company characteristics and objectives. The paper outlines the need for empirical research into the use of Workload Control in small and medium sized MTO companies