A master production schedule links sales demand with manufacturing capacity. The purpose of master production scheduling is to create a realistic plan that minimizes overstock while maximizing on-time delivery. Master production scheduling software is an element of modern advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software.
Master production scheduling is a dynamic process, and master production scheduling software is designed to promptly incorporate changes in demand or capacity. It extracts actual order and capacity data to ensure that the master production schedule is based on the most up-to-date information. Master production schedule calculations account for forecasts, known and anticipated orders, key capacity constraints, inventory levels, stock buffer requirements, and demands from departments such as research and development. Master production scheduling software generates the master production schedule automatically but also allows for manual adjustments to accommodate specific needs or objectives.
Additionally, master production scheduling software allows for planned production volume to be overridden with scheduled volume. The master production schedule is then recalculated to meet current conditions.
Advanced planning and scheduling software leverages the master production schedule to support interactive schedule visualization, in which data can be displayed as stock profile graphs and capacity usage graphs. Planners using this functionality are able to evaluate alternatives within the schedule. The master production schedule can be changed simply by clicking and dragging a point on a stock or capacity graph. Similarly, the production of a particular item may be moved to another production period through the interactive schedule, and this change will be reflected in the master production schedule.
Related product: Opcenter Advanced Planning and Scheduling
