Excel is great: there’s a good reason why neither Google nor Apple have been able to topple Microsoft’s dominance in 37 years. However, while it’s a powerful tool, it’s not the only, or best, software for everything. A prime example of this is where an Excel spreadsheet is used instead of Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software, which is still very common. In some respects, this is surprising given the limitations of Excel. In others, however, it’s entirely understandable as companies have grown with the software so it’s viewed as an integral tool.
Spreadsheets vs. advanced planning and scheduling software for production planning
Here is a short breakdown of what each option does, or doesn’t, provide.
Features and Functionality | Excel spreadsheets | APS software |
Capacity utilisation | No | Yes |
Creates additional capacity for planners – provides added value | No | Yes |
Customer support for the tool | No | Yes |
Ease of representing equipment, labour, and material constraints | Difficult | Simple |
Labour intensive – hours or days to create a production schedule | Yes | No |
One central live plan – visible to all when needed | Unlikely | Always |
Only ever one version of the production plan | No | Yes |
Only one user fully understands the tool | Often | Rarely |
Manual input and management | Yes | No |
Prediction capability | No | Yes |
Production plans – always current | No | Yes |
Resource management | No | Yes |
Scenario analysis – allow for trends or fluctuating sales | No | Yes |
Speed of making changes | Likely slow | Quick & Immediate |
Life as a planner is difficult and APS software can relieve some of the pressure. Get in touch to talk about how we can do that for you.