FINITE SCHEDULING is a PAS-X business function that enables detailed scheduling of production processes. Since it includes functions for checking material availability and controlling order processing, it is an ideal complement to the ERP system, adding specific shop floor scheduling functionality.
FINITE SCHEDULING is highly scaleable and easy to expand. Its functionality ranges from simple to complex. For example, it has uncomplicated, clear, well-arranged graphics, which map the current order status to a chart and allow the user to take manual control. It also offers complex "intelligent" algorithm-supported production scheduling features.
FINITE SCHEDULING adds more shop floor scheduling and control functionality to an ERP system's production planning functionality. Graphic planning boards provide a quick overview of the most important scheduling details; they help the user visualize and optimize complex relationships and make it easier to modify order scenarios down to the shop floor level.
FINITE SCHEDULING has a modular structure. This gives the schedulers the flexibility they need to decide by how much they want the software to support them in planning the production process.
For the purpose of detailed production planning, FINITE SCHEDULING uses the specifications defined
in the ERP system. FINITE SCHEDULING can either directly access the master batch records managed and
maintained in the MASTER BATCH RECORDS business function or retrieve routings from the ERP system.
If these routings already contain production planning details, FINITE SCHEDULING adopts the orders
in corresponding sequence using certified interfaces. The scheduler can then optimize them for the production
process by means of the provided simulation and finite scheduling functions.
The scheduler can use the simulation functions to develop several production scenarios and to compare them to one another.
Graphic evaluation functions create the basis for selecting the most favorable production model. In the context of
detailed planning, FINITE SCHEDULING considers marginal conditions which previous production planning operations
have not taken into account. Some of these conditions are:
The Materials Planning business sub-function provides the option to
integrate material usage and material availability checks into the scheduling
process.
In this context, the focus is on production-integrated scheduling. FINITE SCHEDULING supports
the planning operations for material staging and for controlling material replenishment. This
functionality is of special importance for production environments requiring large quantities
of material. Usually, long-term stockpiling of such materials is not possible and such materials
must be delivered just-in-time
for use. The periods required to approve raw materials and semi-finished products additionally
affect the planning process. They are taken into account in the production-based material availability check.
The most important feature in production scheduling is a constant feedback from the manufacturing process. In a continuous actual-to-target value comparison, FINITE SCHEDULING compares the planned production situation to the actual situation.
Malfunctions may affect schedules, bottleneck resources and delays in productions. Instantaneous feedback from the shop floor level based on recorded process data, such as malfunctions, enables the scheduler to take necessary actions at an early stage, whenever necessary.
The PAS-X Workplace Concept provides workplace-related dialogs
tailored to all users and their individual scope of duties. In addition, anyone
involved in the production process, be it supervisors or production managers, can
directly view the current status of production scheduling. Of course, PAS-X can also
make the same information available to an extended group of people, e.g. the sales & marketing
team. Thus, the system provides all employees with information that is relevant to them personally.
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PAS-X Business Functions
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