Abstract: In most industries, labor represents the greatest proportion of operational costs. By helping to optimize that labor, workforce scheduling can help companies reduce expenses. But for most companies, scheduling is still more burden than benefit. Discover scheduling techniques that best-in-class companies are using to achieve greater operational efficiencies, and increase satisfaction among employees and customers.

Abstract: Decision matrix: a decision-support tool allowing decision makers to solve their problem by evaluating, rating, and comparing different alternatives

Abstract: Decision matrix: a decision-support tool allowing decision makers to solve their problem by evaluating, rating, and comparing different alternatives

Abstract: Most of the manufacturing software vendors have planning and scheduling software which assume either infinite production capacity for calculating quantities of raw material and work in progress (WIP) requirements or infinite quantities of raw and WIP materials for calculating production capacity. There are many problems with this approach. This paper discusses the pitfalls of this approach and how to avoid these by making sure that the software you buy indeed takes into account finite quantities of required materials as well as finite capacities of work centers in your manufacturing facility.

Abstract: The textile industry is famous for its very different characteristics when compared to industries in either process or discrete manufacturing. Developing production planning and scheduling software for any textile mill is a real challenge even for seasoned industry experts. This article focuses on some of the unique challenges posed to master requirement planning and master production scheduling (MRP / MPS) software vendors by the textile industry.

Abstract: The market place is awash with many kinds of manufacturing scheduling systems. Due to the dynamic nature of the manufacturing shop floor, it is of utmost importance that a manufacturing scheduling system can take care of these dynamic conditions.

Abstract: For many manufacturers, the demands of meeting customer expectations and reducing production costs in an environment of more products and more choice places stress on the effectiveness of planning and scheduling processes. Yet, systems are becoming outdated, lacking the flexibility and responsiveness to manage complex production environments. Find out about planning and scheduling options and how to boost productivity.

Abstract: A school district in Missouri sought to optimize the booking and scheduling of its newly modernized conference and meeting spaces. Its old scheduling software was frustrating, as it was difficult to customize and configure. But after installing Meeting Room Manager, the schools are able to set specific room and equipment configurations, and post activities online as well as on a public viewing screen. Learn more.

Abstract: When buying a job scheduling solution, you should gather as much information as possible to make an objective comparison of competitive products’ key capabilities. Seek out customer references, analyst recommendations, and press articles to supplement vendor marketing materials. And to make sure you don’t miss any important evaluation criteria, benchmark the functions of job-scheduling software with a detailed checklist.

Abstract: The complexity of the metal manufacturing process often poses problems when it comes to planning and scheduling production. The sector’s many different processes often cause bottlenecks that slow down production—not only within plants, but throughout entire supply chains. With an industry-specific production planning and scheduling system, manufacturers can improve productivity, reduce lead times, and increase revenues.

Abstract: Manufacturers of capital equipment and highly engineered products face design, production, and delivery obstacles. The most challenging of these activities is scheduling projects and resource demand in a concurrent engineering environment. Learn about a resource scheduling tool that can allow you to put demand on materials, work-centers, and labor as soon as it is known—so you can deliver projects on time and on budget.

Abstract: In December 2008, Advanced Systems Concepts commissioned Forrester Consulting to examine the potential return on investment (ROI) that companies may realize by deploying ActiveBatch, an IT job scheduling and management solution. Learn about the financial impact in a midsized financial services company with global operations, in which ActiveBatch is used to manage its mission-critical job scheduling environment.

Abstract: Can you relate to the following software demo situation? Jennifer, the sales engineer, is at the keyboard. She’s on a roll. She’s been setting the stage to show how her price matrix capability will eliminate costly errors. This is all-important to the prospect. She has the audience’s full attention and is steadily moving them toward her objective. Suddenly Robert, the account executive, interrupts from the back of the room. “Jennifer, I think this would be a great time to show how the information you’re working with updates the data warehouse and is immediately available for sales analysis purposes.” Everybody shifts their attention from Jennifer and the all-important price matrix capability to Robert and the equally important data warehouse function. In an instant, the momentum Jennifer has been building dies.

Abstract: For the coffee producer Mother Parkers, scheduling coffee production across two plants was an ever-increasing challenge. Mother Parkers decided to take proactive steps toward consolidating its day-to-day scheduling data by engaging Supply Chain Consultants (SCC) to help. SCC applied its scheduling algorithms to improve schedule attainment, visibility, and stability—exactly what Mother Parkers needed.

Abstract: Integration of the appointment scheduling system with other systems is necessary for maximum benefit.

Abstract: Accurate appointment scheduling can provide great benefit to all in the supply chain through improvements in efficiency, visibility, resource and capacity utilization, and product flow.

Abstract: The face of business is rapidly evolving from traditional brick-and-mortar facades to electronic ones. While web businesses spend considerable effort in polishing Internet front ends with sophisticated graphics and animation, they must also give attention to back end fulfillment operations. Invisible to consumers, these operations encompass networks of manufacturers, warehouses, and distributors that shoulder the burden of filling orders and delivering products. Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) offers powerful tools for addressing the challenges presented to these networks by e-commerce.

Abstract: Many organizations have tried to address their maintenance scheduling woes by introducing new and sometimes very advanced technologies. The reality is that trying to automate something that's broken will cause even more frustration and finger-pointing.