Production Sequencing Software for Manufacturers

Production sequencing software is increasingly common in all kinds of production lines scheduling operations from general consumer goods and food to automotive and aerospace companies. But why is it so beneficial to operations managers, and what can it do?

What is Production Sequencing Software?

PSS tools are a helpful way for manufacturers to track day-to-day production and operations in their company. The software determines the best sequence of operations for a more streamlined process while assigning goods and workers based on the current supply and demand. This means a more streamlined way to handle order prioritization, processing, and deal with splitting production batches as necessary. This is all made possible via a series of complex algorithms to determine current demand and the capacity to handle that. This then allows for a new production schedule to make better use of the tools available and put resources and people where they are most needed. On top of this, production sequencing software can interact with ERP, MES, And MRP. This can help improve processes across operations and allow for more long-term solutions.

Enterprise resource planning is a vital tool for determining accounting, risk management, and compliance. When partnered with PSS, it can get more accurate data for greater peace of mind.
Manufacturing execution systems focus more on monitoring and controlling the full production lifecycle for quality control. The addition of PSS allows for a more comprehensive view of real-time events and scheduling to enhance the process.
Material Requirements Planning is a more specialized tool to calculate the call for specific types and quantities of materials. This, alongside inventory tools in PSS, can make a big difference.
Master Scheduling functionality is often built into the Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) solution, but this process integrates closely and shares data with production sequencing.

Why is Sequencing Important?

Production sequencing is very important in any production line where teams need to ship goods to customers in a timely and professional manner. It helps keep everything on track while allowing for adjustments. It should also keep the whole workforce on the same page. There are significant benefits for manufacturers, including the following.

4 Reasons Production Sequencing is Important for Manufacturers Infographic

1) Greater efficiency. Teams that use production sequencing software can reduce overall production time, which in turn increases efficiency. The streamlined system becomes much more reliable with a greater work rate in a shorter space of time. This increased productivity within operations should mean more goods sent out and more checks. 2) Greater responsiveness to problems. The software has the intelligence to handle new conditions and problems as needed. If a problem occurs in the line, or there is a sudden rush of orders, it could take a while for management to determine a strategy and pass that on to their team. A smart piece of software can adapt the system continuously based on present conditions and adjust the schedule appropriately. 3) Greater cost-effectiveness. Teams that can improve effectiveness in production and order completion can improve revenue and lower costs. Companies can process more orders in a shorter space of time, reducing labor costs. There are also fewer concerns over refunds for late or incorrect orders. 4) Greater customer service. These improved systems and order completion rates should also mean more happy customers. This allows companies to hold onto clients that trust their reliability, allowing for better relationships and long-term business deals down the line.

Key Features of Production Sequencing Software.

Businesses that enjoy the benefits mentioned above do so thanks to several helpful features. Managers that take advantage of the following will wonder how they managed without them.

Tools for planning resources and operations, such as calendars, Gantt charts, and other reports. Anything that determines the availability of materials, goods, and workers, as well as the schedule of orders and shipment dates.
Tracking tools to determine where employees are regarding scheduled shifts and tasks. Employees can be assigned automatically for a more effective process, potentially via access to schedules on mobile devices.
Smart scheduling tools for rescheduling orders, color coding priorities, and other user-friendly features to help managers get on board.
Improved inventory management for a better idea of the goods and materials currently on-site.
Analysis of operations to determine costs with greater accuracy.
Forecasting for future operations based on historical analysis.

To summarize, implementing production sequencing software within any production line’s operations can be highly beneficial. The range of features and tools can improve efficiency and productivity and help companies see their operations in a new light. Manufacturing Scheduling Software Production Planning Software Advanced Planning and Scheduling Software