When it comes to implementing advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software like Opcenter APS, the path to success often lies in a strategic and phased approach. One particularly effective strategy is the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach, which focuses on delivering early value and minimising risk.
By starting small and scaling functionality over time, businesses can achieve faster returns on investment (ROI), reduce project risks, and build a solution that truly meets their needs. This also helps to prevent rushing in and taking the wrong approach for your business needs.
Automating existing manual processes first
One of the core principles of the MVP approach is to start by automating the planners’ existing manual processes. For many organisations, these processes are often managed through complex Excel spreadsheets that are manually updated by planners. While these spreadsheets serve as a vital tool, they are prone to human error, are time-consuming, and lack the advanced capabilities needed for effective production planning and scheduling in modern businesses.
By focusing on automating these existing processes first, an MVP implementation of Opcenter APS can quickly deliver value. This initial step doesn’t require the full spectrum of advanced APS functionalities. Instead, it focuses on replicating and enhancing what planners are already doing, but with greater efficiency and accuracy. Automating these manual tasks not only proves the concept of the software but also delivers immediate benefits such as time savings and improved accuracy. This quick win can help build momentum and buy-in from key stakeholders.
Using real production data as a starting point
A common pitfall in software implementation projects is the temptation to wait for a perfect, integrated data interface before getting started. However, in an MVP approach, speed and practicality take priority. Instead of waiting for a fully integrated system, the MVP approach uses the customer’s real production data, which is often already available in Excel.
This data serves as the foundation for the initial implementation, enabling the APS software to start delivering value right away. By working with the data that planners are already familiar with, the transition to an automated system becomes smoother and more intuitive. This approach also allows for early detection of potential issues, helping to refine the data and processes before moving on to more advanced stages of the implementation.
Prioritising basic scheduling functionality
When using an MVP approach, it’s important to get the basic scheduling features working before jumping into the more advanced stuff. This way, you can meet the planning team’s core needs as quickly as possible.
Basic scheduling features include creating workable production schedules, managing work orders, and making sure resources are used efficiently. By focusing on these key areas first, the APS software can start showing real benefits early on. This approach also lays a strong foundation for future upgrades and more complex features, while helping you identify which areas need the most attention right away.
Faster delivery for early buy-in and ROI justification
One of the primary advantages of the MVP approach is that it allows you to roll out an automated solution much faster. By concentrating on the most important features and using data you already have, you can start seeing the benefits of APS software much earlier than with a traditional rollout.
Getting the software up and running quickly is also key to winning over stakeholders and securing more investment. When decision-makers see the software working and the real benefits it brings, they’re more likely to back its continued development and expansion. Those early wins help build confidence and keep the project moving forward.
Continuous improvement and expansion
The MVP approach is inherently agile, allowing for continuous improvement and expansion based on early customer feedback. Once the basic functionality is in place and delivering value, the focus shifts to refining and enhancing the system.
This iterative process involves regular feedback loops with the users, who provide insights into what is working well and what could be improved. Based on this feedback, the software can be incrementally expanded to include more advanced features, such as improved algorithms, advanced analytics, and integration with other enterprise systems.
This continuous improvement cycle ensures that the software evolves in alignment with the customer’s needs, rather than being a static solution that may quickly become outdated.
Reducing risks through incremental scaling
Implementing a full-fledged APS solution in a single go can of course be risky, both in terms of project complexity and the potential for disruptions to existing processes. The MVP approach reduces these risks by starting small and scaling functionality incrementally.
This strategy allows businesses to test and prove the value of the software in a controlled environment before rolling it out more broadly. By scaling up based on proven successes, companies can avoid the pitfalls of a big bang deployment, where issues might only become apparent after significant time and resources have already been invested.
Rapid realisation of benefits
One of the most compelling reasons to go for an MVP approach is the rapid realisation of benefits. Traditional software implementation projects can take months or even years to deliver value, but the MVP approach accelerates this timeline significantly.
By focusing on quick wins and early value delivery, businesses can start seeing benefits such as time savings, cost reductions, and improved production efficiency much sooner. These early successes pave the way for broader adoption and more significant long-term gains as the software is further developed and tweaked to suit business needs.
Ready to see how an MVP approach to advanced planning and scheduling software could 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.
