From Kick-Off to Results in Weeks: How Manufacturers Can Fast-Track Opcenter APS ROI
For many manufacturers, the idea of implementing a solution like Siemens Opcenter Advanced Planning and Scheduling
(Opcenter APS) conjures up images of lengthy projects, complex integrations and a painfully slow path to payback. It’s easy to
assume that an Opcenter APS investment will take years to prove its worth. But real-world results tell a different story: with the
right preparation and technology, measurable improvements can arrive far sooner than most expect.
Quick wins in action
Take the example of Granado, Brazil’s iconic cosmetics and perfumery brand. Founded in 1870, Granado grew from Rio de
Janeiro’s first pharmacy to a household name, combining heritage with innovation. Its expansion across Brazil and into Europe
brought enormous complexity: multiple production sites, diverse product lines, and high levels of automation.
As demand grew, Granado’s existing ERP system began to strain under the pressure of coordinating supply chains and
production schedules. Stockouts, production bottlenecks and labour inefficiencies threatened to slow international growth.
The company needed a solution that could model different production scenarios and treat workforce availability as a true
planning constraint.
Granado turned to Siemens Opcenter APS, a proven
advanced planning and scheduling solution with a strong
track record – working with Siemens Smart Expert Partner
Tecmaran to implement it. The results were striking. Within
weeks of going live with Opcenter Planning, Granado cut its
monthly planning cycle time by two-thirds. Planners could
shift their attention from firefighting to scenario analysis,
identifying ways to drive continuous improvement.
Opcenter Scheduling followed, bringing similar gains in
short-term sequencing and coordination across five
production areas.
Granado isn’t a Kudos Solutions customer, but their experience within the Siemens ecosystem is a powerful proof point:
Opcenter APS can deliver fast, tangible ROI when the right foundations are in place
What drives a fast ROI?
Granado’s story offers lessons for any manufacturer, whether you produce ready meals, pharmaceuticals, or high-end
consumer goods. Here are three factors that consistently shorten the time from project kick-off to measurable payback:
- A clear understanding of the problem
Granado knew precisely where the pain was: long planning cycles, workforce constraints and the risk of supply chain
disruption. By defining the critical issues up front, the project team could focus on solving the highest-impact challenges
first. For other manufacturers, that might mean identifying a single high-variability production line or a planning bottleneck
that frequently causes late orders.
2. Proven technology with built-in flexibility
Opcenter APS is designed to handle complex, multi-site
operations while modelling both machine capacity and labour constraints. Choosing a mature, field-tested platform avoided the pitfalls of custom-built solutions or unproven software. When time-to-value matters, technology with a strong track record is essential.
3. Strong partnerships and process discipline
Granado’s collaboration with Tecmaran and Siemens was more than a software rollout—it was a carefully managed change initiative. Rapid deployment required clear communication, committed leadership and a willingness to adapt processes. The partnership ensured the technology’s capabilities translated into real-world improvements quickly.
Lessons for every manufacturer
While every production environment is different, Granado’s success illustrates a universal truth: Opcenter APS isn’t just a longterm strategic investment, it can be a near-term performance booster. Manufacturers looking to replicate this kind of fast
ROI can take several practical steps
- Start with a pilot. Choose one product line, site or
planning process where the impact of improved Scheduling will be most visible. - Focus on metrics that matter. Identify the KPIs— such as planning cycle time, stockout frequency or labour utilisation—that will demonstrate success early.
- Engage cross-functional teams. Bring production,
purchasing and planning teams into the project
from day one to ensure alignment and quick
adoption. - Plan for iteration. Opcenter APS isn’t a “set and
forget” tool. Build in time for planners to explore
scenarios and refine schedules once the system is
live.
Looking ahead: the next evolution of planning
Granado’s rapid gains highlight how quickly proven technology can transform operations. But the story doesn’t stop there.
The next evolution of Opcenter APS is already emerging:
- AI-enhanced scheduling will allow planners to explore millions of scenarios in seconds, moving scheduling from reactive to predictive and enabling teams to pre-empt disruptions rather than simply respond to them.
- Data-driven supply chains will increasingly feed real-time information – from IoT sensors to market forecasts – into Opcenter APS, turning scheduling into a live, continuously optimised process.
- Sustainability as a driver will make efficient scheduling not just a cost issue but a regulatory and brand imperative. Expect more manufacturers to view Opcenter APS as a key part of their ESG strategy.
These forward-looking trends show that fast ROI is only the beginning; the true value lies in how Opcenter APS can keep
delivering strategic advantage as manufacturing evolves.
Beyond food and beverage
At Kudos Solutions, we have long specialised in helping food and beverage manufacturers optimise their planning and
scheduling. But the Granado example highlights something bigger: the benefits of Opcenter APS transcend sectors. Whether
you’re producing cosmetics, consumer electronics, or ready meals, the need for agility, efficiency, and smart resource
allocation is universal.
From quick wins to strategic advantage
Granado’s ability to cut planning cycle times in weeks didn’t just solve an immediate problem. It gave the company confidence to expand internationally, knowing its operations could keep pace with its brand ambitions. For any manufacturer with growth on the horizon, that’s the real prize: a planning and scheduling foundation that delivers both immediate ROI and long-term
resilience.
Ready to see what fast Opcenter APS ROI could look like in your world?
Explore the Granado case study for the full story, or talk to us about how Siemens Opcenter APS can help your business
achieve measurable results – faster than you might think
Read more on our success stories page: https://www.kudossolutions.co.uk/project/granado/
