Today, manufacturers have a range of tools and strategies at their disposal when it comes to enhancing operations, especially in their production processes. Scheduling is a prime example, along with the software that facilitates it. Read on to learn more about manufacturing scheduling software in Singapore, its importance in the industry, and the differences between production scheduling and production planning.

Manufacturing Scheduling Software Defined

Manufacturers leverage production schedules to create a timeframe for their production processes. It acts as a calendar that details each aspect of the production cycle. This schedule promotes accountability and ensures key tasks are accomplished on time and within the deadline.

Furthermore, it facilitates better resource management as the right employees, equipment, machinery, and materials can all be in the right place at the right time with total visibility of the exact timings of every stage of production. This is where manufacturing scheduling software comes in to enhance this process. With this digital system in place, it becomes easier to manage all the variables that go into a production schedule, which would otherwise be very difficult without technological assistance.

Main Challenges Behind Production Schedule 

A manufacturing production schedule involves key factors that can cause negative outcomes if managed poorly, but effective production scheduling software can help mitigate these risks. Below are a few of the common challenges that affect scheduling: 

1. Unreliable suppliers 

Sourcing raw materials from suppliers that are far from consistent throws any good production schedule in disarray. Even a delay of a day or two could lead to a massive setback in production. As such, engaging reputable suppliers is a must.

2. Overcommitment

It can be tempting for businesses to be overly optimistic in their capacity since they all want to generate as much income as possible. However, taking on too much workload and filling the calendar to the maximum can cause the opposite effect of reduced revenue.

This is because such an approach has the propensity of overworking the workforce, causing discontentment and an inevitable drop in performance. Overuse of equipment will also lead to a higher risk of damage that hampers production. If these occur, it will prove extremely difficult for manufacturers to keep up with the demand they have committed to.

3. Variations

Any deviations from the intended course in the production cycle could create ripple effects detrimental to the supply chain. For instance, certain equipment could break down unexpectedly, causing production to extend beyond the expected schedule. With these possibilities in mind, using a flexible system that can quickly account for such changes is vital.

4. Complexity

The sheer complexity of production schedules—with their many moving parts and numerous different configurations—poses many manufacturing challenges. Hence, it can be difficult to determine the best route possible, and a single poor decision is all it takes to cause a substantial drop in performance.

5. Lack of cohesion

A lack of integration between the separate components of the organisation presents the potential for ambiguity and contradiction to mar their production schedule. Therefore, regular interaction with an easy flow of information must occur between everything involved in the process. Otherwise, employees will not have a uniform idea of what and when things are happening and risk the whole operation.

How Manufacturing Scheduling Software Solves These Problems

A tried-and-true manufacturing scheduling solution like Parsec Automation’s Traksys software can easily deal with the abovementioned complexities. It achieves this by taking into account all data related to production and generating the best possible schedule according to the available resources and urgency of different deliverables. The other benefits of this system include the following:

1. Faster turnaround times

Manufacturers can expect reduced downtimes and far less hesitance by having an optimal schedule for all aspects of their production. Their manufacturing processes will be quick and continuous, resulting in greater output and shorter cycles.

2. Correct material quantities

Clarity on when and where things are happening allows for exactness in determining the number of materials necessary for each upcoming production cycle. Less guesswork in this area means better odds of maintaining sensible numbers, eliminating the risk of having too few or too many materials.

3. Higher revenues

Larger output in a shorter amount of time means being able to take on a greater demand. Thus, manufacturers who can reliably commit to a greater workload will naturally be able to generate more sales that lead to higher revenues and improved profitability. 

4. Better visibility 

Better employee visibility starts with a centralised pool of schedule-related data that creates a single source of truth accessible in a single location. This inevitably promotes synchronisation and avoids confusion since everyone involved in production has the same information, and machinery will unlikely be overworked.

5. Fewer errors 

Since correcting scheduling mistakes can cost a lot of time, production scheduling software mitigates the room for human error thanks to its automation capabilities fueled by accurate data. A smart system can consider existing schedules, inventory levels, sales orders, and many other variables to present the best solution with the least drawbacks.

6. Improved customer satisfaction

With all the advantages mentioned previously, there should be fewer delays and bottlenecks in production. Manufacturers can meet their promises consistently, their customers are regularly in the loop regarding the status of their orders, and products are delivered on time. All of these results in greater buyer satisfaction, making clients more likely to continue doing business with the manufacturer and even spreading the word about their good experience.

Conclusion

Manufacturing scheduling software is key to empowering manufacturers by granting them a high level of control over their operations. As an all-encompassing business management solution, it also connects production planning activities to the organisation’s stock, sales, and accounting information, facilitating easy automation. 

If you want to enhance your production scheduling process with this revolutionary digital system, Allied Solutions provides all the effective industrial manufacturing solutions and automation systems you need – ranging from data diode in Singapore to data historisation platforms. Contact us today to learn how our products and services can enhance your business processes.