ERP Integration with Galaxy APS

As a result, planners and schedulers rely on manually rigged solutions, or they build complicated, error-prone Excel spreadsheets.  Oh, they’re missing a universe of shining functionality and simplicity. And the whole company is missing out on serious productivity improvements. We scratch our heads and resolve to do a better job of getting the word out — there’s a better way.

Why don’t manufacturers explore APS options? Outdated beliefs that integrating an APS to the ERP is expensive, time-consuming and one long headache. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Integration Level Matters—Not the ERP

APS prospects often build their research and evaluation around which ERP system used. For Galaxy APS, the ERP is practically invisible to us.  All you need to do is decide what level of integration works best for you, and one of our success consultants will help guide you in the decision:
Not to oversimplify your decision process, APS integration really is a lot more straightforward than the industry would lead you to believe.  See our five success factors.

Be assured that PlanetTogether excels in developing ERP connectors for smooth as silk integrations. If your ERP solution isn’t already listed below, we’ll take on the challenge to create a custom connector for you:

• Microsoft Dynamics AX
• Microsoft Dynamics NAV
• Microsoft Dynamics GP
• More Microsoft Dynamics information
• SAP ECC
• SAP Business One
• SAP Business One with Fourth Shift Edition
• Navigator’s Production One for SAP Business One
• Infor (previously Softbrands) Fourth Shift

We also work closely with all these ERP solutions or supply chain planning systems:

• Sage MAS 500
• Sage MAS 90/200
• Escape Velocity Systems’ O2
• Vicinity Manufacturing
• Cost Control’s Job Manager
• Epicor Vantage
• Syspro
• QAD

5 Keys to Integration Success

Let’s keep this simple because it is:

1. Don’t expect out-of-the-box integrations to work.

However, a pre-set foundation that’s easily tuned to particular set of client needs is essential.  You save time upfront front and ensure the scheduling system changes with the business. Remember, the ERP will be upgraded at some point. It’s vital the APS moves in sync from version to version.

2. Make data available, but (whew) it doesn’t have to be 100% “clean” on Day 1. You can start with the basics (orders, routings) and expand as needed in phases.

3. Keep Resident Experts close by to share expertise/knowledge on data usage.

But don’t get caught in the trap of “that’s how we’ve always done it.”  Talk with your consultant to learn from others’ best practices. It may make all the difference.

4. Sketch the flow on paper for clarity for everyone before actual integration work begins.

5. Do your best to differentiate between “must-have” and “nice-to-have” data.

Galaxy APS as Add-on or Stand-Alone

Perhaps, you’re not 100 percent thrilled with the production scheduling module in your ERP system. Simply add PT’s Galaxy APS for an integrated, virtually seamless scheduling solution.

If you prefer to run Galaxy APS as a stand-alone system (because you love the independent power) you can enter jobs and resources directly, and always be equipped to update job status and schedules through Master Scheduler screen or distributed “Shop View” screens.

Best of all, data can flow to Galaxy from any source. And it doesn’t have to be clean from Day 1. You can be fearless knowing our tech team is your safety net.

Import  from Any Source

• Microsoft SQL Server
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Access
• Oracle
• Text files (XML, CSV, tab-delimited, etc)
• ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) compliant systems (ODBC drivers required)