Opcenter APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) – Production scheduling tool
APS, or Advanced Planning and Scheduling, is a collection of tools and techniques designed to increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of production planning and scheduling processes. It integrates various functions such as forecasting, capacity planning, material requirements planning (MRP) and limited capacity planning into a single integrated system.
APS software enables organizations to optimize their manufacturing and supply chain operations by providing real-time visibility, advanced analytics and intelligent decision support. This enables production planners to make informed decisions based on accurate data and predictive models, resulting in better resource allocation, reduced lead times and increased profitability.
About solution
- SIMATIC IT Opcenter is the world’s leading production planning software used in small, medium and large companies. It improves the synchronization of production processes and creates extensive monitoring and control possibilities. The solution uses the most innovative mathematical calculations to analyze and create realizable production schedules, taking into account various constraints and applicable rules.
- SIMATIC IT Opcenter can be integrated with various business management systems (ERP) and manufacturing control systems (MES) as well as data collection, forecasting, demand planning and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) applications.
- This solution is best suited for manufacturers who need to schedule their equipment, production lines and resources. However, it can also be used in the field of services and logistics.
Today’s problems in production planning:
-Notes, Excel tables are used. All the necessary information is in the planner’s head and notes.
-There is no central planning just in view of the big picture. Need to adapt to different departments.
-Too little information about actual performance. Interactivity and automatic planning are missing. The need to optimize schedules to reduce production costs.
-Short planning perspective. The impact of the changes (equipment failures, new priorities) is not known in the long term.
-The goal of producing the product on time. The pressure on planners and the constant question of “When can we get it done?”
How does Opcenter help?
-Modeling of actual performance (equipment/operators/tools) – Operations are planned based on available resources and raw materials.
-Automatic preparation of the production plan according to the planning rules.
-An interactive planning environment where the planner can change the order of orders. Ability to analyze different plans before final approval.
-Modeling order delivery dates. You will receive information about possible order delays in advance.
-Longer planning horizon. Possibility to analyze the impact of the change further in advance (breakdowns, equipment maintenance, etc.). More detailed usage analysis of resources.
Benefit to the company
- Smoother planning
– It takes less time to fill in Excel tables and more time to analyze and optimize the production plan.
– In the case of central planning, planning resources are used more efficiently and their burden is reduced.
- Greater productivity
– More efficient use of resources – by grouping similar operations, equipment setup or
cleaning time.
– Real performance planning makes it easier to anticipate the need for additional resources or subcontractors.
- Better customer service
– The likely completion date of the order is known quickly and it is possible to see quite early how various changes in the production plan affect the completion date.
– Additional logistics costs are reduced, contract violations and also fines (if applicable) are avoided.
- More efficient inventory management, shortening of production time
– Longer planning period and links of production operations with required raw materials allow better planning of supply.
– When planning operations and orders, their connection is maintained, which helps to reduce the time between operations.
Who is Opcenter APS best for?
• Many different products
• Multi-level production
• Implemented in almost all production sectors
• A complex production process with many limitations
• When Excel is no longer enough
• Considerable time is spent on product changes in production
• Delivery accuracy less than 95%
• The return on investment is less than one year
Key benefits of Opcenter:
• Clearer overview of product completion time and production resource usage
• More informed production decisions and evaluation of the impact of the change
KPI:
• Improvement in delivery accuracy
• Increase in productivity or utilization
• Reduced stocks of semi-finished and finished products
• Reduced material stocks
• Shortened real production lead time
Five important facts about Opcenter
World leader
Opcenter is a world leader in planning and production scheduling solutions. opcenter is used by more than 4,000 companies (almost in all manufacturing sectors).
Long-term experience
Opcenter has been used in 69 countries since 1993. It has been deployed over 10,000 times. Opcenter has been translated into more than 30 languages.
Quick return on investment
Opcenter is characterized by a quick return on investment (in some cases this period is measured in weeks) and quick implementation ensures low service costs.
Golden partner
Opcenter is an international partner of Microsoft, whose innovative technology works in Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 10 operating environment. The data is stored in a SQL database.
Additional options
Opcenter’s standard features create an interactive and detailed charting tool for the ERP user, as well as a smart sequencing engine (e.g. allows reducing the number of changes when charting).
Opcenter APS is offered by OIXIO Digital in cooperation with OIXIO UAB.
Contact Us
OIXIO Group