Every business will be keen to maximise efficiency and profitability but for many manufacturers, it’s essential. One mistake or one process not done within a suitable timeframe can cause a ripple effect across the business, slowing down everything from manufacturing to dispatching product.
So how do you make your production schedule as efficient as possible to maximise profitability? The answer is Advanced Planning and Scheduling software (APS).
What is Advanced Planning and Scheduling Software?
Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) is a digital software. It helps manufacturers to manage production planning and shop floor scheduling by using algorithms that balance demand and capacity. This information is then used to generate achievable production schedules that manufactures can then implement. This means shorter lead times and more agile responses to unexpected production or market changes.
APS can be used independently or integrated with other systems. Kudos Solutions implementations of Opcenter APS products are designed to work alongside and facilitate, rather than replace existing systems.
Opcenter APS has been successfully integrated with many major ERP systems including SAP, BPCA, AS400 plus many bespoke and in-house programmed systems running on platforms such as MS Access, MS Excel and SQL Server. This allows Kudos Solutions to tailor our APS products specifically to you and your business.
How can APS help to maximise efficiency and profits?
APS comes with plenty of benefits that help manufacturers to ensure they’re working in the most cost effective and productive way possible. Below we discuss the key benefits APS offers.
Fast return on investment and less waste
Implementing APS will incur a cost, however manufactures will be quick to see a return on investment. Taking advantage of an APS system can lead to approximately a 20% increase in productivity while reducing up to 50% of raw materials as it synchronises purchasing with a realistic production schedule. This means that you aren’t overspending on materials, which is particularly useful if you work within an industry where materials can spoil.
Similarly, APS can help you lean out all areas of your manufacturing process, reducing waste and therefore potentially enhancing profitability.
Enhanced visibility
Having complete visibility into your manufacturing operation is vital, especially when seeking to enhance efficiency and eliminate any issues, such as bottlenecks.
Opcenter Planning offers a multitude of visibility solutions including, visualising production schedules, make-to-stock planning, make-to-order planning and bill of materials planning. These tools assist planners in making strategic decisions regarding their factories, resources, and employees, helping to ensure efficiency and profit.
ERP enhancement
Our APS software is designed to easily integrate with your current ERP system without causing any disruption to your current process. Our software has been successfully integrated with many major ERP systems as well as bespoke software, offering you a smooth add on that will take the capabilities of your ERP system to new heights.
While APS software appears to have overlapping capabilities with common ERPs, APS actually make your processes and schedules more specific to your business. This helps you to save money, rather than offering cookie cutter fits which cannot be applied to all businesses. You will also find numerous additional features which you can use to assist in efficiency and productivity.
Make to stock / Make to order
“Make to stock” allows you to forecast seasonal variances whilst “make to order” gives you the ability to evaluate the effects of future demand changes in the manufacturing process.
This allows you to stay ahead of the curve and plan for the future, ensuring your business remains flexible and able to anticipate changes. You can use this information to adjust multiple areas of your business, including purchasing new materials and staffing. This helps you to future proof your business and continue to work in the most efficient and productive manner.
Case study
Mars has to manufacture a very large amount of product across a wide range of possible variations whilst also handling the diverse ways that demand comes from different markets. This meant that scheduling accuracy was a challenge with their current system.
Since implementing Preactor APS and GMPS (Now known as AS and AP Ultimate), Mars have been able to:
- Lower stocks across the entire pipeline, which represents a very considerable cost saving.
- Reduce one SKU stock levels from 10,000 to 4,000 pallets.
- Make lean improvements that have increased efficiency and reduced waste.
You can read Mars’ full success story here.
Want to know how your business can use APS to work more efficiency and increase profits? With our decades of experience and deep understanding of the industry, we are well-equipped to provide you with the tailored solutions you need to get the most from your processes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
