Four Steps in Production Planning

Production planning is a vital component in modern-day manufacturing operations. Without it, facilities are unable to schedule production accordingly, ultimately limiting the functionality of the process. In addition, the integration of a production planning system will establish the groundwork for running shows and locate areas lacking productivity. If any aspect within the factory is experiencing low productivity, the production planning software will generate various schedules that will keep production flowing efficiently. In successful production planning, there are a few steps that the process takes to ensure optimization.

Demand Forecasting

Without demand forecasting, production is unsure of how much to produce, which halts the first step of the process. This is because demand forecasting enables effective demand, capacity, and production planning. However, demand forecasting methods can vary; accurate data and information aid your operation through preparing the first step in production planning. Therefore, utilizing a precise demand forecasting method will ensure the best results of a production planning system.

Scheduling Alternatives

The next step pertains to generating various schedules. Based on the demand forecast, the system develops several routes that production can take. This step considers diverse factors such as material availability, equipment functionality, and the timeframe established. This function can also locate areas in which bottlenecks may be prevalent and attempt to avoid them. The system then decides on which production schedule alternative is the best and enforces the schedule.

Control

As the system executes the schedule, it oversees the entire process. This is completed by data being fed into the system. As a result, the control system can quickly alert the facility when a problem occurs or when human interference is needed. 

Evaluation and Adjustments

After the process is complete, the system then analyzes the schedule and fixes the areas in which efficiency is lacking. This process is completed several times as the production schedule is carried out and ensures a quickly optimized and overall efficient production process and program.  

Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) Software

Advanced Planning and Scheduling Software have become a must for modern-day manufacturing operations as customer demand for increased product assortment, fast delivery, and downward cost pressures become prevalent. These systems help planners save time while providing greater agility in updating ever-changing priorities, production schedules, and inventory plans. In addition, APS Systems can be quickly integrated with an ERP/MRP software to fill the gaps where these systems lack planning and scheduling flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency.

With PlanetTogether APS, you can:

• Create optimized schedules that balance production efficiency and delivery performance
• Maximize throughput on bottleneck resources to increase revenue
• Synchronize supply with demand to reduce inventories
• Provide company-wide visibility to resource capacity
• Enable scenario data-driven decision making

Implementing an Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) Software will take your manufacturing operations to the next level of production efficiency by taking advantage of the operational data you already possess in your ERP system. APS is a step in the right direction of efficiency and lean manufacturing production enhancement. Try out a free trial or demo!