In this article I list and review some popular and maybe also less-known commercial production scheduling software. I have included the following production scheduling software solutions: Oracle APS, SAP APO, MRPeasy, PlanningPME, NetSuite, MS Project, PlanningPME, Planilog, Preactor, Quintiq, JobBOSS, QMS, JustFood, FlexiBake, AIMMS, Infor APS, Asprova, Genius Manufacturing, Syspro, PlanetTogether, Fishbowl Manufacturing, MIE Trak Pro, Visual Planning, and DELMIA Ortems.

In a previous post on SCDA I already introduced some free prodution scheduling software options. You can read about them here:

• Link: Free scheduling software for manufacturing

Here is a list of some commercial production scheduling software.

Oracle Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS)

Oracle Advanced Planning and Scheduling (Oracle APS) is a comprehensive software solution offered by Oracle Corporation. It’s part of the Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) suite and is designed to assist businesses in optimizing their production and supply chain operations. Some features to consider:

• Integrated supply chain solution: Oracle APS is a key component of Oracle’s SCM suite, offering integrated supply chain planning and scheduling capabilities.
• Production planning: It provides advanced production planning and scheduling functionalities, allowing organizations to efficiently manage their manufacturing processes.
• Optimization: Oracle APS uses optimization algorithms to help businesses balance production capacity, material availability, and customer demand.
• Real-time visibility: Users can gain real-time visibility into their supply chain, helping them make informed decisions and respond quickly to changing market conditions.
• Resource allocation: The software assists in allocating resources, such as equipment and labor, to optimize production schedules and meet customer orders on time.
• Scenario analysis: Businesses can perform “what-if” scenario analysis to assess the impact of various decisions on production schedules and costs.
• Demand forecasting: Oracle APS includes demand forecasting capabilities to help organizations better anticipate customer demand and align production accordingly.
• Collaboration: It facilitates collaboration among different departments and stakeholders within the organization, improving communication and coordination.
• Customization: Oracle APS is highly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific manufacturing processes and industry requirements.
• Enhanced efficiency: By using Oracle APS, businesses aim to enhance operational efficiency, reduce production costs, minimize lead times, and ultimately deliver products to customers more effectively.

Oracle APS is particularly popular among medium to large enterprises in various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and high-tech, for its ability to streamline and optimize production and supply chain operations on a global scale.

SAP Advanced Planning & Optimization (APO)

SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) and Oracle Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) are both software solutions designed to help businesses improve their supply chain and production planning processes. However, they have some differences in terms of functionality, architecture, and integration.

Here’s a comparison of Oracle APS and SAP APO:

Vendor ecosystem:

• SAP APO: Developed by SAP, it’s part of the larger SAP ecosystem, which includes a wide range of ERP and enterprise software solutions.
• Oracle APS: Offered by Oracle Corporation, it’s part of the Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) suite, integrated with other Oracle applications.

Scope:

• SAP APO: SAP APO provides a comprehensive set of supply chain planning tools, including demand planning, supply network planning, production planning, and more.
• Oracle APS: Oracle APS primarily focuses on advanced production scheduling and optimization. It’s more specialized in production planning and scheduling.

Flexibility and customization:

• SAP APO: Known for its flexibility and adaptability, SAP APO can be customized to meet the unique requirements of various industries and business processes.
• Oracle APS: While customizable to some extent, Oracle APS is more tailored to specific manufacturing and scheduling needs.

Integration:

• SAP APO: Seamlessly integrates with SAP’s ERP systems, providing a unified data and process flow across the organization.
• Oracle APS: Integrates with Oracle’s broader suite of SCM applications and can also connect with other Oracle solutions.

Complexity and scalability:

• SAP APO: Suited for complex supply chain and production planning scenarios, making it ideal for large enterprises with intricate operations.
• Oracle APS: Well-suited for medium to large enterprises with manufacturing-centric operations, especially those seeking advanced production scheduling capabilities.

User interface:

• SAP APO: Offers a user-friendly interface, but the look and feel can vary depending on the SAP version and customization.
• Oracle APS: Provides an intuitive user interface with features tailored to production scheduling tasks.

Cost:

• SAP APO: Generally comes with a higher upfront and ongoing cost, especially for extensive customizations and integrations.
• Oracle APS: May offer a cost-effective solution for businesses primarily focused on advanced production scheduling without the need for broader supply chain planning features.

Community and support:

• SAP APO: Benefits from a large SAP user and developer community with extensive support and documentation.
• Oracle APS: Relies on Oracle’s support infrastructure, including access to Oracle consultants and resources.

Ultimately, the choice between SAP APO and Oracle APS depends on an organization’s specific needs, existing technology stack, industry, and the scope of supply chain and production planning requirements. Businesses should conduct a thorough evaluation to determine which solution aligns best with their operational objectives.

MRPeasy production scheduling software

MRPeasy is another relatively popular production scheduling tool. It also comprises a manufacturing CRM system. Its features include:

• Production planning
• Production scheduling
• Production reporting
• Production calendar
• Workstation calendar
• Work order approval management
• Expiry date management
• Balance sheet management

PlanningPME

PlanningPME is a versatile scheduling and planning software designed for businesses of all sizes and industries. It enables efficient resource allocation, offers interactive Gantt charts for visualizing project schedules, and features a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for easy task scheduling.

Real-time collaboration is supported, allowing multiple users to update schedules simultaneously. The software is highly customizable, adaptable to specific needs, and offers reporting and analytics tools to track project progress and resource usage.

PlanningPME can integrate with various third-party applications, including Microsoft Outlook and Excel, and provides notifications and alerts for schedule changes. It’s available in multiple languages and boasts a user-friendly interface suitable for users with varying technical expertise.

Used in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and services, PlanningPME streamlines scheduling, optimizes resource allocation, and enhances overall operational efficiency.

NetSuite production scheduling software

NetSuite is a comprehensive cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution designed to streamline various aspects of business operations. It encompasses financial management, customer relationship management (CRM), inventory and order management, e-commerce capabilities, human resources management, supply chain optimization, and robust analytics and reporting.

One of its key advantages is the ability to customize the platform to suit specific industry needs and business requirements. NetSuite is highly scalable, catering to small businesses and large enterprises. As a cloud-based solution, it offers accessibility from anywhere, automatic updates, and reduces IT infrastructure costs.

NetSuite is widely used across industries, including manufacturing, retail, services, and e-commerce, to enhance efficiency, visibility, and productivity across the organization, ultimately supporting business growth.

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is a powerful project management software offered by Microsoft. It’s designed to help businesses and individuals plan, manage, and execute projects of varying complexities. Key features include project scheduling, task management, resource allocation, and budget tracking.

Users can create Gantt charts and timelines to visualize project progress, set dependencies, and allocate resources efficiently. The software enables collaboration through integration with Microsoft Teams and other Office 365 apps.

Microsoft Project comes in two editions: Standard and Professional, with the latter offering more advanced features. It is widely used in industries such as construction, engineering, IT, and manufacturing to streamline project workflows, monitor progress, and ensure project goals are met on time and within budget.

Overall, Microsoft Project is a versatile tool for project managers and teams looking to effectively plan, execute, and track projects, making it a cornerstone of project management in many organizations.

Planilog cloud-based production scheduling software

Planilog is a cloud-based production scheduling and advanced planning software solution that is designed to help manufacturing companies optimize their production processes and schedules. Here’s an overview of Planilog’s key features and capabilities:

• Production scheduling: Planilog offers advanced production scheduling capabilities, allowing businesses to create and manage production schedules efficiently. It considers various factors like production constraints, resource availability, and customer demand to create optimized schedules.
• Real-time data: The software provides real-time visibility into production processes, enabling users to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to improve efficiency.
• Demand forecasting: Planilog includes demand forecasting tools that help organizations anticipate customer demand accurately, ensuring that production schedules align with market requirements.
• Resource allocation: Users can allocate resources such as machines, materials, and labor effectively to meet production goals while minimizing idle time and overutilization.
• Constraint management: Planilog can handle complex constraints, including capacity constraints, setup times, and order priorities, to create feasible and efficient schedules.
• What-if analysis: Businesses can perform “what-if” scenario analysis to assess the impact of changes or disruptions on production schedules and make adjustments accordingly.
• Integration: Planilog can integrate with other enterprise systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MES (Manufacturing Execution System) to ensure seamless data exchange and coordination across the organization.
• Customization: The software is customizable to accommodate specific manufacturing processes and industry requirements, allowing businesses to tailor it to their unique needs.
• Reporting and analytics: Planilog provides reporting and analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs), monitor production efficiency, and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaboration: The solution supports collaboration among teams and stakeholders, enabling better communication and coordination in the production planning and scheduling process.
• User-friendly interface: Planilog typically offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including production planners and managers.
• Cost optimization: By optimizing production schedules and resource allocation, Planilog aims to reduce production costs, minimize lead times, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Planilog is suitable for various manufacturing industries, including discrete manufacturing, process manufacturing, and job shops. It is often chosen by businesses looking to enhance their production scheduling capabilities and streamline their production processes to meet customer demands efficiently. However, the specific features and pricing of Planilog can vary, so organizations should engage with the vendor to understand the solution’s suitability and costs for their particular needs.

Preactor production scheduling software

Preactor is a versatile production planning and scheduling software tailored for manufacturing companies. Its key features include advanced scheduling, real-time visibility, constraint management, demand forecasting, and resource allocation. Preactor is highly customizable to accommodate diverse manufacturing processes and seamlessly integrates with ERP and MES systems. It enables “what-if” scenario analysis and provides reporting tools for tracking KPIs and enhancing production efficiency. The software’s primary goal is to improve production operations by optimizing schedules, reducing lead times, and minimizing costs. It serves various industries, including discrete and process manufacturing, aiming to enhance customer service and overall operational performance. Preactor is a valuable tool for businesses seeking to streamline their production processes and respond efficiently to changing demands and disruptions.

Quintiq

Quintiq is a comprehensive supply chain planning and optimization software renowned for its advanced capabilities. It covers demand planning, production scheduling, workforce optimization, and logistics planning. Quintiq’s constraint-based planning engine factors in various constraints to create feasible and efficient plans. It offers real-time decision support, helping organizations make informed choices. Demand forecasting and predictive analytics tools enable accurate anticipation of customer demand.

Resource allocation is optimized to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. The software is highly customizable, scalable, and integrates seamlessly with existing systems. Scenario planning aids in evaluating different decisions’ impact on the supply chain. Quintiq provides extensive visibility and reporting, facilitating KPI tracking. Its core objective is to enhance operational excellence, optimizing operations, reducing lead times, and improving customer service, making it valuable for complex, dynamic supply chain requirements across industries.

JobBOSS

JobBOSS is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution primarily designed for small to medium-sized job shops and contract manufacturers. It’s developed by ECi Software Solutions and is tailored to meet the specific needs of companies involved in custom or make-to-order manufacturing processes. Here’s an overview of JobBOSS:

Key features and functionality of JobBoss:

• Quoting and estimating: JobBOSS allows users to create accurate job quotes and estimates, helping manufacturers determine pricing and feasibility.
• Order management: It manages job orders, tracks work-in-progress (WIP), and monitors job progress to ensure timely delivery.
• Inventory management: JobBOSS helps businesses manage their inventory efficiently, including stock levels, material requirements, and reordering.
• Scheduling: The software provides scheduling tools to optimize production schedules, allocate resources, and meet customer delivery dates.
• Shop floor control: JobBOSS offers shop floor control features, including time and attendance tracking, job routing, and real-time updates on job status.
• Cost tracking: Users can track costs associated with materials, labor, and overhead to maintain control over production expenses.
• Quality control: It includes quality control and inspection capabilities to ensure product quality and compliance with industry standards.
• Document management: JobBOSS assists in document management and provides a centralized repository for important documents and records.

JobBOSS is primarily used by small to medium-sized job shops and contract manufacturers across various industries, including:

• Machine shops: Companies that provide precision machining services for custom or small-batch parts production.
• Metal fabrication: JobBOSS is used by businesses involved in metalworking, welding, and fabrication processes.
• Electronics manufacturing: Electronics manufacturers utilize JobBOSS to manage their production, assembly, and quality control processes.
• Plastic injection molding: Companies in the plastic injection molding industry benefit from its inventory control and scheduling features.
• Custom manufacturing: Any business engaged in custom manufacturing or make-to-order production can find value in JobBOSS to streamline their operations.

Overall, JobBOSS is a versatile ERP solution tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized manufacturers engaged in custom or job-based manufacturing processes. It helps them efficiently manage their production, scheduling, inventory, and quality control operations, leading to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Other commercial production scheduling software solutions

JustFood: A production scheduling solution tailored for food and beverage manufacturers.

FlexiBake: Scheduling software designed specifically for bakeries and food manufacturers.

AIMMS: A supply chain optimization platform that includes production scheduling and planning modules.

Infor Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS): Part of the Infor CloudSuite, it offers advanced scheduling and planning features.

Asprova: A production scheduling and advanced planning tool with a focus on lean manufacturing.

Genius Manufacturing: Offers advanced manufacturing scheduling, capacity planning, and production management.

Syspro: An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with production scheduling capabilities.

PlanetTogether: A production planning and scheduling software designed for discrete manufacturing.

Fishbowl Manufacturing: Inventory and production scheduling software designed for small and midsize businesses.

MIE Trak Pro: An ERP system for manufacturing with production scheduling features.

Visual Planning: Offers production scheduling and resource management tools for various industries.

DELMIA Ortems: A manufacturing operations management solution with advanced scheduling and optimization features.

Concluding remarks on production scheduling software

In this article I listed a range of commercial production scheduling software solutions. If you are interested in building your own scheduling tool or algorithm, in Python or Excel, you might also be interested in checking out some other articles and downloadable programs that I have published in the past:

• Link: Setup sequencing with Excel Solver
• Link: Optimized machine setup sequence
• Link: Job shop scheduling challenges
• Link: Optimized SCM capacity scheduling

Linnart Felkl

Data scientist focusing on simulation, optimization and modeling in R, SQL, VBA and Python