
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 business measures that come from using Opcenter APS. This helps to guide your decision making, offering an objective rather than a subjective view of your business goals.
The problem with subjectivity
One of the primary challenges in scheduling and planning is the inherent subjectivity that can cloud decision-making. Human emotion, biases, and differing perspectives can lead to debates over whose plan is the best. Your planner may advocate for one approach, while historical data may suggest another, leaving you to ponder which path to follow.
This subjectivity not only complicates decision-making but can also lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Without a clear, objective way to evaluate schedules, you may find yourself stuck in a cycle of analysis paralysis, unable to confidently move forward.
How does our new tool work?
Our new tool assesses planning and scheduling activities within the organisation and assigns a score to them. This score is derived from business metrics or measures that are gathered from using Opcenter APS.
This provides systematic approach to scheduling as well as an easy-to-follow point scoring system that prioritises objectivity over subjectivity. By using advanced algorithms and data analytics, Opcenter APS and our tool enables you to see the big picture and make informed decisions based on objective criteria.
Rather than relying on gut feelings or personal preferences, our tool evaluates and scores schedules based on their potential impact on key metrics such as productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This allows you to identify the schedule that best aligns with your overarching business goals, removing the guesswork and uncertainty from the equation altogether.
Measuring the overall impact of your plan
When evaluating different schedules, it’s essential to consider not only their immediate effects but also their broader implications for your business. Opcenter provides you with the tools you need to quantify the overall impact of potential changes, allowing you to weigh the trade-offs and make informed decisions that maximise value for your organisation.
For example, increasing production may require storing more inventory or hiring additional staff, which can impact costs and resource allocation. Opcenter helps you assess these trade-offs objectively, ensuring that you strike the right balance between efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Real-time visibility for better planning
By seamlessly integrating with your existing systems and processes, Opcenter APS ensures that you have access to real-time data and insights at every stage of the planning process.
This approach enables you to consider the wider impact of your decisions, taking into account factors such as inventory levels, production capacity, and customer demand. With Opcenter, you can confidently assess the ripple effects of any proposed changes and make adjustments accordingly to get the best possible outcome for your business, no matter what your specific goals are.
Validating your plan
With Opcenter APS, you can validate your plan with confidence, knowing that it has been thoroughly evaluated against objective criteria. By systematically testing different variables and scenarios, you can determine whether your plan is the right one, and even how it can be adapted to unexpected issues.
Our new tool can score then score these plans, allowing you to see which one will objectively perform better for the business goals you have in mind. Of course, every business and therefore their goals are unique, so how our tool scores your plans will be totally unique to you and your business.
Whether you’re adjusting labour schedules, streamlining service levels, or fine-tuning inventory management, Opcenter combined with our tool provides you with the insights you need to ensure that your plan is not only valid but also adaptable and responsive to changing conditions. This level of confidence and certainty is invaluable in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable business environment.
Ready to see how Opcenter APS can help your business? Contact us today. With our years of expertise and skills, we’re able to help give tailored solutions for your business. We even have experience working with big brands, so you can be confident that you’re in safe hands.