All manufacturing environments are different from one another. Even organizations which have multiple plants will notice a difference between the ways each individual plant operates on a day to day basis. Most companies do not think of this important, yet valid point when purchasing their scheduling software. However, each of these companies are looking for a way to programmatically arrange jobs based upon their needs, goals and constraints. Finding a system that allows manufactures to optimize their shopfloor time, while presenting them with the ability to meet all deadlines in a flexible manor is a purchase that should be reviewed thoroughly.

When purchasing a scheduling software system the application should most importantly offer the company’s scheduler a graphical interface which can be understood throughout the facility. A graphical system can offer color coded jobs, tags which extend over a period of time for an accurate representation of how long it will take for jobs to move through the process.

Flexibility of Scheduling Software'

With the down turn of the economy many companies are looking toward canned software systems that are not very feature rich and often lack the capability of changing when the business needs shift. However, during my research I came across one company that offers this type of flexibility, Tuppas Software.

Tuppas has designed a canned software version which is a great starting point for any manufacture. They suggest the organization begin to use their basic canned version of the scheduling software for a few weeks and then return to Tuppas in order to make modifications to the software so it fits their needs. The flexibility of this organization speaks volumes. Often their clients will start with very minor changes and return after an elongated period of time to have more substantial changes done on their scheduling software.

If you are looking for a scheduling software system that has the flexibility to grow when you are ready I would take a look at what they have to offer.

Cambridge Manufacturing Journals


Manufacturing.gov