APS creates a type of computational optimization using many mathematical algorithms. In manufacturing, APS establishes a method for simultaneous synchronization of material and capacity with customer orders. APS prepares the plan and schedule for the execution of the production processes, then transfers it to ERP to manage the execution of the plan or schedule. APS can also be used as part of stand-alone systems or system suites, especially in larger organizations, if data interfaces are integrated. Many APS tools and techniques can be used in supply chain planning. This includes multi-purpose functions such as purchasing management and sales forecasting, factory planning and scheduling, inventory planning, transportation planning, product lifecycle management, and inter-institutional and intra-organizational coordination.

APS planning functionality considers forecast and long-term orders, supports decision-making about the feasibility and affects the general direction of production operations. APS supports decisions surrounding extending the workforce, resource capacity, and factories. It helps manufacturers determine what and how much to make, where and when to make it, and exactly what resources are required.

Planning can be executed in planning periods can be days, weeks, months, or a combination of all three.

Advanced Scheduling functionality considers the availability of resources and additional constraints, such as tooling and materials to ensure an accurate model of the manufacturing environment. Advanced Scheduling schedules orders using intelligent built-in rules. It provides decision-making support for overtime, order prioritization, due date negotiation, and order processing.

APS oversees numerous aspects of a production environment, including:

Master Production Schedule creation

Bill of Materials (BOM) level planning

Interactive schedule visualization

Make-to-order planning

Make-to-stock planning

Advanced constraint modeling

Advanced material handling

Advance schedule optimization

Assembly process visualization

Interactive schedule viewing

Order-based multi-constraint scheduling.

When production demands, production queues, and anticipated changes in production are required, advanced planning and scheduling solutions are used by managers to better improve their decision-making processes. APS software helps make changes or see what impact changes in scheduling will have on production, creating real-time production efficiency in the factory.

When machine failures occur or parts are scrapped in production, advanced scheduling helps support contingency scenarios such as:

“What is the cost of accepting an urgent order?”

“Will prioritizing a new urgent order hurt our completion time for other pending orders?”

“Can we afford to pay our employees overtime to complete this job?”

“When can we move a machine into a maintenance stage without slowing down production?”

APS will help you see the true impact of each scenario. Managers will be able to provide their decisions with a dashboard or KPIs that can help visually demonstrate the impact.