APS

 

APS systems should have three characteristics that make them very different from other ERP module such as Accounts Payable.

 

1. They must handle the level of detail needed to model real world constraints such as operators and tooling or the ability to calculate sequence dependent setup times based on multiple product attributes that may be unique to each company.
2. They must be able to provide advanced functionality, such as custom sequencing rules, for schedulers who want to get additional benefits from their systems.
3. They need to be easily customized and modified (think Excel) so that they can meet the changing requirements of a business without being orphaned when new versions are released.

 

Just having an APS system is of little value. It must be integrated with your other systems and it must be able to model your real world constraints.

 

It is important to point out that a good scheduling system not only automates the process of creating smart schedules, it immediately eliminates 80% of the manual effort currently wasted on just keeping the schedule up-to-date.