Production Scheduling Software Key Terms

Production scheduling software key terms defined for better product understanding

Production scheduling software provides businesses with organizational tools for a number of scheduling issues, including scheduling employees and shipping product. There are a lot of production scheduling software programs available with features that include solutions for business planning, forecasting, inventory and distribution.

The perfect production scheduling software will meet your custom needs and effectively aid the success of your business operations. Just remember to make sure that the production scheduling software you choose functions effectively with the system you have currently in place.

 

Production scheduling

This is the main purpose of production scheduling software: to provide you with the tools you need to schedule your employees and/or the projects your company needs to complete.
Try: Schedule Anywhere offers sample schedules for various scheduling areas, including employees, shifts and departments.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP)

ERP is a system used to combine all the tools and resources managed throughout a company. This allows a business' various departments to be organized through a shared source. Some production scheduling software integrates with ERP applications.
Try: Bearing Point features an ERP system and discusses the benefits associated with it.

Material requirements planning (MRP)

MRP software is designed and focused on planning production, and can also help you control inventory in the manufacturing industry. This application is often used in conjunction with production scheduling software, if it is not already a feature of the scheduling software.
Try: Rockford Consulting has a comprehensive explanation of MRP, including a detailed definition and information on pragmatic applications of this software.

Stand alone vs. networked

A stand-alone system refers to a software that is set up to work apart from others on a computer system. In contrast, network software can be set up to work in a number of computer stations so that more than one employee can utilize the program at one time.
Try: Keyvak discusses how networked systems can be beneficial when managing or maintaining a schedule.

Multi-plant applications

This feature allows you to integrate different scheduling models from various business locations or departments. You can then access this information from one source, thus simplifying management.
Try: Preactor features multi-plant applications and discusses further how this feature can help you run your business.

Forecasting

A method of determining the best approach or direction to follow by predicting future business success. Usually this is accomplished by evaluating past business results and determining certain patterns in operations.
Try: JustEnough discusses the benefits of production scheduling software that includes forecasting features.

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