Advanced Planning and Scheduling

A concept of rapid planning in the context of available resources and production constraints (equipment changeover, accessibility of fixings, device-to-device communication, etc.) and re-planning according to the preconceived optimization scenarios. APS-systems help manufactueres to answer the questions: “producing what, when, in which consequence”. APS technology supports multi-level long- or medium-term planning: based on the portfolio of orders and expected sales, the company forms a master schedule, calculates raw material requirements for the procurement and logistic departments, and evaluates the need to use subcontractors. APS is often seen as a replacement of the concept of MRP II (Manufacturing Resource Planning).