The Main Differences Between Planning and Scheduling

Production planning and scheduling tend to seem overwhelmingly similar. However, some differences set these two concepts apart. The main difference between planning and scheduling is that planning determines what and how much needs to be done while scheduling defines who and when the operations will be performed. 

Although they are different processes, they come together within operation and production scheduling. As one depends on the other, it is important to ensure that the planning component is played out accurately to create an efficient production schedule. Closing the gap in terms of discrepancies between the two processes will ensure efficient results for the company as a whole. Planning and scheduling are essential for manufacturers that are seeking to have a thorough production plan and utilize their resources to the fullest extent.

The Main Differences Within Planning and Scheduling 

There are various reasons as to why planning and scheduling differ, which the following concepts are listed below: 

• Planning - Planning pertains to the process of creating a plan of which materials and resources will be required to fulfill incoming and forecasted demand. This step is crucial to ensure that you have enough materials and resource capacity available to produce your orders on time. This component pertains to the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of any project: what exactly needs to be achieved and how it will be accomplished. 

• Scheduling - Scheduling pertains to establishing the timing of the use of specific resources of that organization. In production, scheduling involves developing schedules for workers, equipment, and materials. It reflects on the ‘when’ of a project, by assigning the appropriate resources to get the production plan completed within a period of time. Creating optimized production schedules ensures that your facility is able to reduce costs, increase productivity, and deliver goods to customers on time. 

In order to create accurate and realistic production plans that allow manufacturers to react quickly to changes, it is important to have a production plan that is aligned with the resource and material scheduling process. Having any discrepancy or divergence between the planning and scheduling process creates inefficiencies that can be costly for your business. The bigger the divergence, the larger the cost. 

This is where an Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) like PlanetTogether will benefit manufacturers. With concurrent planning and scheduling, manufacturers ensure that all scheduling constraints are taken into consideration when creating the production schedule which leads to smoother operations and increased customer satisfaction. 

Our production plant is faster and more efficient, which keeps our facility in better spirits and running smoothly.

GREGORY VAN LEIRSBURG, PRODUCTION SCHEDULER, STANDARD PROCESS SUPPLEMENTS

 

Concurrent Planning and Scheduling

An Advanced Planning and Scheduling System quickly and automatically creates a concurrent production plan and schedule that takes into consideration all of the constraints, sequencing preferences, and management priorities you have. 

Being able to plan and schedule together will allow for better coordination across departments. This can help reduce waste as all departments will have visibility in the number of items that are available and are being produced. 

PlanetTogether’s Advanced Planning and Scheduling system allows you to have extended visibility between your scheduling, production, and procurement departments to keep demand and supply aligned to improve customer service and meet your delivery dates. It will also allow you to reduce your material costs while minimizing schedule disruptions. 

Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) Software

Advanced Planning and Scheduling Softwares 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. 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:

1. Create optimized schedules that balance production efficiency and delivery performance

2. Maximize throughput on bottleneck resources to increase revenue

3. Synchronize supply with demand to reduce inventories

4. Provide company-wide visibility to resource capacity

5. Enable scenario data-driven decision-making

The implementation of 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