Each of the production sliders uses different resources, but all sliders need two units of resources for every material produced.

To use a slider to make a material, click on the gold arrow at the right end of the slider. The slider bar changes color confirming the production order. You may also click within the slider bar to increase or decrease production. The resources are deducted when the orders are given, but the new material is not ready until the next turn. 

To reduce an order for production click on the gold arrow to the left end of the slider. The resources are returned to the warehouse. You can change your mind about what to produce as often as you like. Production orders are not final until you end your turn.

You may choose to assign your production to the computer using the button at the top left of the screen. The sliders will be filled in automatically.  There is no guarantee that the computer will share all your short term goals (such as finishing this episode).