From Fixed Rules to Intelligent Optimisation Manufacturing scheduling has never been simple, and the complexity continues to grow. Demand changes, material constraints, resource availability, and operational pressures all compete for attention. For decades, scheduling systems have relied on predefined rules to build achievable plans. Today, AI makes it possible to explore thousands of alternatives and…

What if your schedule could improve itself? Every planner knows the feeling: the production plan is built, the lines look ready — and then reality happens. A changeover takes too long. An oven becomes a bottleneck. A supplier pushes back on delivery. Suddenly the “final” schedule is not so final. For years, planners have relied…

For decades, “operational excellence” in Health & Beauty meant one thing: efficiency. Cut downtime. Minimise waste. Optimise labour. Repeat. But efficiency — once the gold standard — has become a glass ceiling. In a world of shrinking product lifecycles, unpredictable demand, and retailers who expect perfection, efficiency without agility is a trap. The future of manufacturing won’t be won by whoever…

The 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Low-Code Application Platforms has just been released — and once again, Mendix has been recognised as a Leader. For the ninth consecutive year, Mendix has secured a position in the top quadrant, this time ranking furthest on the Completeness of Vision axis. It’s a significant achievement, but for…

AI has quietly begun reshaping one of manufacturing’s most complex and consequential processes: scheduling. Nowhere is this transformation more needed – or more impactful – than in the fast-paced world of FMCG. In these environments, scheduling isn’t just about putting jobs in order. It’s a high-stakes game of compromise, constantly influenced by demand volatility, resource…

We’re excited to announce that Kudos Solutions will be exhibiting for the first time at Smart Manufacturing Week 2025, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 4–5 June. As the UK’s largest showcase of advanced manufacturing innovation, it’s a fitting place to demonstrate how we’re helping manufacturers take control of complexity—and move towards a more…

For years, manufacturers have struggled with scheduling tools that are too slow, too complex, or too reliant on key individuals. It’s time for something better. FAQ Accordion Q: Jeff, what’s the biggest problem manufacturers face with scheduling today? Jeff: Scheduling is one of the most overlooked inefficiencies in manufacturing. Businesses have optimised their supply chains,…

Can AI Schedule Better Than a Human Planner? A seasoned production planner with 30 years of experience has likely built 35,350 schedules over their career. Each one is a result of deep industry knowledge, problem-solving skills, and countless hours of refining schedules to meet production demands. But what if an AI-driven scheduling system could analyse…

Why Are So Many Manufacturers Still Firefighting Their Production Schedules? Manufacturing scheduling should be the beating heart of production – ensuring every order is completed on time, machines are fully utilised, and waste is minimised. Instead, for many businesses, it’s a constant battle. Last-minute changes, supply chain disruptions, and shifting priorities mean planners spend more…

If there’s one thing that can be said about manufacturing, it’s that it’s a complicated industry. With numerous factors and options to consider, deciding on the most effective approach can seem overwhelming. We have produced a tool using Power BI that can convert subjectively to objectively by giving planning and scheduling a score based on…