Advanced Planning Systems (APS) are no longer optional - they are becoming critical to smarter, faster and more profitable supply chain decisions. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson explains why manufacturers should be looking closely at APS. Recent client situations highlighted three key needs: scenario planning, constraint-based planning and end-to-end visibility & predictive insights.
Supply chain transformations and upgrades require the improved use of ERP. There is no doubt about it - ERP is the backbone of supply chain performance. Clients come to us to improve performance (typically profitable growth, customer service, and cash flow), and the better utilization of ERP was a key part of 100% of these clients and was required to deliver bottom line results.
Manufacturing is starting to take flight. The resurgence will be powerful and fast. As a well-connected business executive and trusted advisor mentioned recently, when manufacturing takes off, you will not be able to keep up if you aren't already on top of it.
Although production and materials planning can be overlooked in its importance in most companies if going smoothly, it is cornerstone to success.
The best companies focus on production scheduling. Even though Production Schedulers aren't typically highly paid positions, the function will make or break your ability to serve customers, improve operational performance and accelerate cash flow. Thus, it should be a key priority if you want to achieve profitable growth.
Manufacturing has struggled to produce what customers want on-time without spending a fortune and tying up excess cash unnecessarily in the wrong, "just-in-case" inventory. It is a tough environment spiraling out of control with supply chain chaos.
Capacity planning is the structured process of determining whether your organization has the resources required to meet your demand plan and support your revenue growth goals. Capacity plans analyze machinery and equipment, labor and skills, facilities and space, and suppliers and supply chain partner capabilities to ensure you can [...]
Every production planner has the challenging job of managing a complex set of conflicting priorities - meeting customer requested ship dates and new product trials, supporting manufacturing and logistics performance objectives, and addressing finance's objectives as it relates to inventory levels and cash flow.
