Production scheduling has changed significantly over the years, and companies using an ERP manufacturing system to handle scheduling benefit from the enhanced efficiencies such platforms provide. If you tried to use scheduling systems years ago but found them limiting, newer ones built into modern ERP manufacturing systems will be a pleasant surprise.

How Scheduling Systems Have Changed Over Time: Linear to Agile

In years past, scheduling systems were often stand-alone software. Most offered only a waterfall-based approach to scheduling with little ability to customize them. They operated at the production order level, taking the master production scheduling and manufacturing requirements and planning data and then producing sequential schedules. Although early scheduling systems considered data, materials, and labor, they were limited in which additional data they could use. 

Today’s modern, advanced production scheduling systems are a far cry from the linear systems of the past. Newer production scheduling systems, either integrated with ERP manufacturing systems or part of the ERP itself, offer an agile, flexible approach to scheduling. Advanced planning and schedule (APS) software provides many benefits when integrated with other systems, including the ERP, warehouse management system (WMS), distribution systems, and more. Information must flow seamlessly throughout all systems so that the APS can respond and adjust schedules and timelines based on the latest updates. Today’s systems rely on this information flow for the best and most accurate forecasting and planning, and integration is a requirement for optimal performance. 

The Forces Driving APS Changes: Digitization, Disruption, and People

Three major factors are influencing the drive toward adopting advanced planning and scheduling software: digitization, disruptions, and people. 

According to The State of Digital Manufacturing Transformation, 74% of manufacturers who are well into their digital transformation journey experienced improved productivity. Additionally, 48% of firms with enhanced digital implementations reported increased sales compared to only 10% who have not yet begun their digital transformation. Manufacturers who lag in this area will find themselves at a significant disadvantage. 

Supply chain disruptions remain a major headache for almost all manufacturers. Although the pandemic-era disruptions have largely been resolved, political unrest, weather-related events, and possible tariffs may disrupt the flow of goods and materials upon which manufacturers rely. 

Lastly, people, or rather harnessing the creativity and intelligence of the people working on the manufacturing floor, are driving the adoption of APS. In the past, the older, siloed platforms were accessed by a small number of people who generated reports and shared the findings with others. Today, modern manufacturing plants rely on the creativity and ingenuity of everyone working on the factory floor to access, analyze, and use the data from the systems to enhance production. Siloed data doesn’t support modern manufacturing processes, nor does it provide people with the information they need to do their jobs well.

ERP in Manufacturing and Advanced Planning and Scheduling Systems

ERP manufacturing systems are the starting point for modernization and digital transformation. Systems such as Sage 300 ERP offer project planning tools and integration capabilities that enhance real-time visibility. Sage 300 offers features such as work order management, materials requirements planning, capacity planning, shop floor control, scheduling, and sequencing to optimize workflows and reduce downtime. 

As you consider how to grow your business and improve productivity and efficiency, consider evaluating and updating your ERP with a modernized, cloud-based system that offers a solid base from which to launch your digital transformation efforts. 

Positive Vision: Software Consulting

Choosing the right ERP and APS systems can feel overwhelming. Positive Vision has many years of experience helping small to mid-sized manufacturers select and implement the right systems to enhance productivity and profitability. Please contact us for more information.

Linda Baran

Linda Baran is in charge of the people side of PositiveVision. Linda’s background includes working in a variety of industries including investment, manufacturing, and information technology.