Everything Manufacturers Need to Know About Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS)

Why Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) Is Essential for Manufacturing Efficiency

Change is progress. But when your new system slows you down, it's time to rethink. Transitioning to a new ERP? You're not alone. We've heard from manufacturers who found their new systems lacking in the one area that matters most: detailed scheduling. Let's simplify how you optimize your production.

At PlanetTogether, we understand that choosing the right Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) solution can raise many questions. Through our ongoing interactions with customers, we've identified the most common questions that we receive about APS and how it can enhance manufacturing and supply chain processes.

We've gathered the answers here so you can find exactly what you're looking for—whether you're new to APS or exploring ways to optimize your current system.

Top Manufacturing Questions About Advanced Planning & Scheduling

Q: Our new ERP isn't delivering the detailed scheduling we need. What are our options?

• A: Many standard ERP systems lack the granularity required for complex manufacturing. First, pinpoint your specific scheduling gaps: special process or discrete manufacturing constraints, shelf, life, labor, and material constraints, etc? Then, explore solutions that can enhance your existing system. If you need help defining your requirements, please contact us and we can help.

Q: Why is precision scheduling so critical for our manufacturing operations?

• A: Time is a critical resource. Detailed scheduling maximizes efficient, changeover, and material flow, especially across critical resources where every minute counts. It's about efficiency, responsiveness, and maintaining a competitive edge.

Q: How can we ensure seamless integration between our ERP, scheduling software, and MES systems?

• A: Look for solutions that offer robust integration capabilities, like APIs and data synchronization. This ensures a unified flow of information across your systems.

Q: Should we invest in additional modules from our ERP vendor, or consider a specialized scheduling solution?

• A: This is a key decision point. Evaluate:

  • Cost: Compare the total cost of ownership.

  • Functionality: Does the solution meet our specific needs?

  • Implementation  Time: How quickly can we implement?

  • Scalability: Will it grow with our business?

Often, specialized scheduling solutions offer greater flexibility and tailored functionality. Creating realistic schedules that take all critical constraints into account require very robust software systems with a lot of flexibility. If a system lacks the critical constraint modeling features that you need, you may find that the solution will not be usable by your scheduling team. So it is important that all critical requirements are identified and verified during the system selection process.

Q: We've used custom solutions for scheduling in the past. How can we replicate that level of optimization with a modern system?

• A: Modern scheduling systems leverage advanced algorithms to automate sequencing and maximize machine efficiency. Look for solutions with flexible extensible algorithms and optimization parameters.

Q: How can Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) help us manage complex production constraints, like material availability and machine capacity?

• A: APS systems excel at managing complex constraints. They can simulate various scenarios, optimize resource allocation, and provide real-time visibility into potential bottlenecks. By considering material availability, machine capacity, and other constraints automatically, APS ensures that your production schedules are feasible and efficient.

Q: We struggle with accurate demand forecasting. How can APS improve our forecast accuracy and responsiveness?

• A: APS systems often include advanced forecasting capabilities, allowing you to incorporate historical data, market trends, and other relevant factors. By improving forecast accuracy, you can reduce inventory costs, minimize stockouts, and respond more quickly to changes in demand.

Q: How does APS help us optimize our production sequences to minimize setup times and maximize throughput?

• A: APS systems use sophisticated algorithms to optimize production sequences, considering factors like machine capabilities, tooling requirements, and product similarities. This helps to sequence production in the best way in order to minimize setup times, reduce changeover and clean out  costs, and maximize overall throughput.

Q: Can APS provide us with real-time visibility into our production schedule and enable us to respond quickly to disruptions?

• A: Yes, modern APS systems offer real-time visibility into your production schedule, allowing you to monitor progress, identify potential issues, and respond quickly to disruptions. This enables you to make informed decisions and minimize the impact of unplanned events.

Q: How can APS help us improve our overall supply chain agility and responsiveness to customer demand?

• A: By providing accurate and up-to-date information on production capacity, material availability, and demand forecasts, APS enables you to make informed decisions and respond quickly to changes in the market. New orders can be dropped into the schedule and their impact immediately seen on metrics and other orders before commitments are made. This improves your overall supply chain agility and ensures that you can meet customer demand in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Q: What Industries Can Benefit from APS?

APS solutions are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of industries:

• • Life Sciences
  • Printing and Packaging
  • Food & Beverage
  • Mobility
  • Chemical

Optimizing Manufacturing: Let's Simplify. Your systems should empower your operations, not complicate them. Explore how to unlock your full production potential. We're here to help you focus on what you do best: manufacturing excellence. -  Tony Nelson - Sr. Sales Engineer

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. If you'd like to dive deeper into how Advanced Planning and Scheduling can benefit your specific manufacturing needs, here are your next steps:

• Request a Personalized Demo: See our solutions in action and get answers to your unique questions. Click here.
  
  Contact Our Sales Team: Get expert advice tailored to your business challenges. Click here.
  
  Explore Our Resources: Visit our website for more FAQs, case studies, and in-depth information.