Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS)

Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) are techniques that deal with analysis and planning of logistics and manufacturing over the short, intermediate, and long-term time periods. APS describes any computer program that uses advanced mathmatical algorithms or logic to perform optimization or simulation on finite capacity scheduling, sourcing, capital planning, resource planning, forecasting, demand management, and others. These techniques simultaneously consider a range of constraints and business rules to provide real-time planning and scheduling, decision support, available-to-promise, and capable-to-promise capabilities. APS often generates and evaluates multiple scenarios. Management then selects one scenario to use as the official plan. The five main components of an APS system are demand planning, production planning, production scheduling, distribution planning, and transportation planning. APS also uses three main approaches to scheduling: product-centric, process-centric, and hybrid.

Product-centric scheduling is used in a product-centric environment, where products are the focus of planning and the key to scheduling. This approach prioritizes what is made by when, with how much of what is needed for each component part.

Process-centric scheduling is used in a process-centric environment, where processes are the key to scheduling. This approach focuses on shortest processing time for each task.

Hybrid Scheduling is an APS that optimizes between product and process based methods while considering product mix and capacity constraints or tradeoffs.

APS utilizes three main types of resources:

The resources which can be replenished (examples include raw materials (e.g., rubber, steel) or components); can be increased or reduced in response to an order.
The resources which can be replenished, but only in response to an order (examples include purchased items, such as outside purchases).
Non-replenishable resources (e.g., management time or computer processing power). These are neither increased nor decreased in response to any orders. These will always be available when needed unless they become unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances or system failure.

What is advanced planning and scheduling (APS)?
Advanced planning and scheduling
Advanced planning system (APS) or APS also advanced planning and scheduling (APS)

Introduction to APS - What is Advanced Planning and Scheduling?

Webinar: Advanced Planning and Scheduling for Manufacturing