Production Scheduling Software and Advanced Planning and Scheduling Software
Waterloo Manufacturing Software’s TACTIC system is designed to be used as both production scheduling software, and advanced planning and scheduling software (APS software).
Production Scheduling Software
Production scheduling software, (also called manufacturing scheduling software, finite capacity scheduling software, or FCS software) allows manufacturing staff to generate detailed dispatch lists for individual production machines, units of labor and other manufacturing resources. These dispatch lists consider the finite, or limited, capacity constraints of the resources being scheduled.
The production scheduling software helps users answer questions like: What job should we run next? Should I work overtime this weekend? Which job will be late?
Typically, the production scheduling software deals with a time frame close into the present. Usually, it is given released, or soon to be released, shop orders to schedule. These orders may be supplied via an interface to an MRP / ERP system or entered in manually. Typically, it is used in a single facility.
Advanced Planning and Scheduling Software
Advanced planning and scheduling software (also called APS software and similar to production planning and capacity planning software), is more encompassing than production scheduling software. It considers not just shop floor capacity constraints. In addition, the advanced planning and scheduling software considers inventory and bill of material constraints, inventory stocking and replenishment levels, and order generation policies.
The advanced planning and scheduling software helps users questions like: Will we be able to execute this forecast? In which plant should we run this production? When should we promise this customer’s order?
APS software can operate in time frames which are significantly longer than the sum of all procurement and production lead times. It accepts both sales orders and forecast orders and, through a bill of material explosion, creates purchase and manufacturing orders. The advanced planning and scheduling software can operation in concert with, or independent from, MRP/ERP systems. While it can be used to generate plans for one location, the APS software can also consider multiple locations throughout the supply chain. Used in this role, the APS software becomes an integral part of a supply chain management software suite. Whether used as production scheduling software, or as advanced planning and scheduling software, TACTIC can improve your operation's competitiveness.