As an extension of production scheduling or manufacturing scheduling systems APS systems (Advanced Planning Software) generally extend further beyond the scope of many traditional scheduling systems. These traditional systems (such as MRP, or Manufacture Resource Planning) use a simple step-by-step system to assign material and capacity and do not adapt well to changes.

APS systems are designed as a goal oriented system that encompasses all of the production scheduling tasks with pre-defined outside influences. As an example, good APS systems should have the ability to build a master production plan based around the availability of raw materials and the future availability of raw materials. Additional advanced functions include efficiency functions, energy reductions, inventory reductions, and delivery routing and scheduling. Another great advancement with APS is the power to generate production plans for multiple locations throughout a supply chain.

As you are researching companies you will notice there are many different ways to create good planning systems. Some may include genetic algorithms, which are programs that study the arrangement of data continuously over and over. The system will run through a schedule thousands of times until a final plan is release that has the highest potential value to the customer. To meet this goal requires access to real-time data, performance metrics and automated decision-support tools.

No matter which technology you decide upon, make sure to choose a vendor that has a high level of customer support and flexibility. Be sure they offer an APS system that can operate with or independently from either MRP or an ERP system.

Cambridge Journals
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Manufacturing.gov
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