APS explained simply: What’s behind it?
Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) is a software solution that supports companies in planning processes such as production, logistics or project management. The aim is to optimize the use of resources such as machines, personnel or materials. APS
Unbeatable efficiency: ERP system with APS
APS unfolds its full potential when combined with an ERP system . After all, it is only through access to central data such as stocks, orders and capacities that truly efficient and dynamic planning is possible. But how exactly do APS and ERP work together?
Many production planners are jugglers. They keep a number of different balls in the air, as they have to balance personnel, materials, machines and deadlines. Traditional ERP systems are only suitable as technical assistants to a limited extent, as they often reach their limits when it comes to the realistic planning of production processes.
With an APS, on the other hand, detailed planning and capacity planning of all production resources can be carried out. The APS is able to consider the entire planning horizon and allows planners to (re)act early, quickly and precisely. The tool forms the bridge between the production and management levels – intelligent systems can be integrated into various MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and ERP solutions.
Which production orders are in the system? How much material is required? Which employees are available? When does the order have to be completed? These and other questions are part of everyday work for many production planners.
Today, intelligent planning is an essential prerequisite for efficient processes in increasingly complex and big data-driven production workflows. ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Planning) act as a building block for processing, controlling and finance in this construct.
They map all business processes. Combined with solutions for the detailed planning of operating resources, personnel resources and machines, taking into account the entire work in progress in the production departments as well as the deadlines, this results in high optimization potential for production processes.
This is where APS systems come into play. The main task of the APS solution is to calculate plans and automate processes. A system such as GANTTPLAN creates order networks depending on the current information on stock levels, planned incoming orders and information from the parts lists.
The purchase orders and orders come from the ERP. If an order is received via the ERP, the APS provides all relevant information such as production and requirement dates that lead to successful order fulfillment. Ergo: The APS takes over the planning tasks, while the operational transactions in the ERP system and the analysis functions etc. are the responsibility of the MES.
The APS system takes into account the requirements of planners and creates better transparency and analysis options. Results can be viewed in the graphical control center. The APS system also allows manual intervention, but always checks the restrictions in the background and is responsible for the details.
This helps planners to evaluate material flows and production capacities simultaneously – production orders can be scheduled precisely and executed more efficiently, taking all parameters into account. Any capacity gaps are also identified quickly and reliably.
An APS system is therefore the logical extension to ERP and MES solutions and is often integrated as a module. The combination of these technologies ensures optimization of the entire supply chain and thus forms a highly efficient tool for manufacturing companies. This ranges from warehouse logistics to production planning and control. This allows planners to work more efficiently and devote themselves to important tasks – they do not relinquish the reins, but are transformed from jugglers to conductors.
Webinar on the topic of APS
Would you like to delve deeper into the topic? Watch our webinar to find out how APplus APS makes your digital factory plannable.
