Operations Management

Unit 4 Assignment
(a)Technical notice available on software options for scheduling

A. Production scheduling software helps plan production on your shop floor by determining the need
for materials and capacity in order to complete a manufacturing production order.

The available software options are as follows

29.8% Simulation 8.0% Project Management

29% Statistical Analysis 7.7% Nonlinear Programming

24.6% Linear/Integer Programming 6.2% Expert Systems

24.6% Optimization 4.6% Queuing

18.5% Data Mining/Data Warehousing 4.0% Scheduling

16.9% Modeling Languages 3.1% Distribution/Logistics

10.8% Forecasting 7.7% Other

10.0% Spreadsheet Add-ins

9.2% Decision Analysis

Source:-1)https://pubsonline.informs.org/pb-assets/ux3/magazines/orms-
today/ORMS_Today_2020_Media_Kit_Web-1569424834363.pdf

2)https://www.softwareadvice.com/scheduling/

3)http://www.apics.org/apics-for-business/frameworks/scor

(b) Develop a classification scheme to list all the software that you have come across .

A. 1. Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl is often thought of as just an inventory solution but has strong manufacturing
and warehousing capabilities. Specifically, Fishbowl has a production scheduling system
that can automate the inventory process and lead to overall production forecasting,
resource planning, and order fulfillment.

Fishbowl aims to improve your production scheduling process through priority

assignment and automated job tracking and production reporting.

2. Plex Cloud ERP

Plex Systems has a robust APS (advanced planning and scheduling) module found
within its manufacturing ERP system. The production scheduling module enables
production resource planning and extends into finite scheduling and a production
dispatch that goes down to your work centers.

The resource planning feature means that Plex can create jobs for forecasts or customer
releases. Finite scheduling helps you manage the finite resources of material, equipment
capacity, and other resource constraints. The production dispatch feature keeps jobs
linked to the control panel for job management.

3. IQMS Manufacturing Scheduling and Production Planning

A subset of EnterpriseIQ, IQMS provides a manufacturing scheduling and production

planning tool within their popular manufacturing ERP solution. As the application goes
hand in hand with their ERP system, the production scheduling module updates in real
time due to events that occur during the supply chain process.

IQMS promises to improve production scheduling by looking at all the resources and
costs needed in order to meet the demand levels. It dives into any generated forecasts,
current and expected future sales orders, and work orders.

4.  Preactor Express

Preactor Express is a free to download production scheduling software that lets your
business still an unlimited amount of products and scheduled operations.
Many manufacturers getting started with production scheduling software will enjoy the
integration with Microsoft Excel. Preactor Express lets you import spreadsheets so you
can easily import your order data. Preactor Express an also create reports by exporting
production schedules back into Excel, which takes advantage of the report building
features in Excel.

5.  Efficient Software

Efficient Software is a free production scheduling software that lets you plan and
manage tasks from your desktop. The solution includes to-do lists, a task manager, and
the combination of project management tools that can help you get a better grasp on
your calendar and scheduling needs.

6.  DYNAMIC 3i Production Planning

DYNAMIC 3i from System Dynamics Corporation is a free ERP/MRP software that provides
master scheduling, rough-cut capacity planning, and links with other functionalities your
business may be using such as inventory, MRP, and order processing. The solution can help you
forecast sales and production levels while making updates to your master schedule whenever
necessary. The free version of DYNAMIC 3i provides access for up to 2 users.