4 Steps to Take Before Implementing APS Software. These steps can increase and enhance efficiency greatly within manufacturing operations around the globe.
The time has finally come for your company to implement its new APS software… but how should you prepare? There are a few steps that any company should take in preparation for implementing a new APS system. Here they are:
APS is a “data-intensive” tool requiring the right information to be effective. Of course, the schedule is only as good as the data that goes into it.
It’s really important that you review your key data: routings and bills-of-material (for discrete manufacturers) or formulas and run-rates (for process-manufacturers). If your steps, rates, and work centers are good then you’ll be off to a strong start.
Part of knowing your data includes knowing your inventory. For inventory-constrained scheduling, it’s important to have a reliable inventory control process with accurate on-hand quantities. If you already employ some type of a barcoding or electronic inventory tracking system, run an audit to assure your numbers are correct.
Think through the common uses of your APS system. For example, will you use it for estimating new ship dates? Will you run what-if scenarios to determine staffing levels? Will you take advantage of its capabilities to quickly expedite rush orders and see the possible impact on other customers? Will you run MRP in the APS system? By knowing what you will use the system to do, you’ll be better prepared to setup the system to support your needs and learn the right tools in the training classes.
From the point that we gain access to your company’s working data, we can complete a basic APS integration in as little as two weeks—though an average project will roll out over the course of a few months to accommodate other priorities at your company and special requests that often arise. Inevitable delays do pop up, but if you work together with your APS provider to keep everyone focused to the project plan you’ll be operational in less time than you thought.
Implementing APS software can do wonders for your business. If you prepare for it in advance, you can make the implementation process that much smoother.
Not sure which planning and scheduling software is right for your plant? This short video shares five practical tips for selecting planning & scheduling (APS) software—from evaluating integration with your ERP to checking data requirements, usability for planners, and vendor support. It’s a great follow-up to the four preparation steps in this article and will help you make a more confident, informed APS software choice.
In this article, you walked through four key steps to take before implementing APS: reviewing data inputs, validating inventory, defining common scenarios, and budgeting time for the rollout. Those steps put you in a much better position to succeed once the project starts.
The next question is: What does an APS implementation actually involve, start to finish?
That’s exactly what our white paper, “APS Implementation – Just the Facts,” is designed to answer. It walks through the real scope, timeline, data requirements, and team roles for an APS project—without the hype—so you can move forward with a clear plan instead of guesswork.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to:
If you’re serious about moving from “getting ready for APS” to actually implementing it, this guide is your next step.
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