Dealing With Common Production Planning Software Risks

Are you on the verge of purchasing production planning software, but hesitant because of the risks associated with taking on a new system? Chances are there is an easy fix to what you’ve been worrying about.

Here is a list of the most common production planning software issues, and how you can fix them:

Incomprehensive data

As we outlined in a previous post, advanced planning software is only as powerful as the data you give it. If your software doesn’t have enough of the proper data to sustain itself, consider looking back at your numbers. If you find the problem too tough to be solved on your own, contact your advanced planning software provider. They will be able to sit down with you and help you find exactly what data your system needs to get itself in the best working shape.

In many cases, the existing routing and Bill of Material data is good enough to get started with more helpful scheduling tools. You probably won’t have everything you need for “perfection” but over time and by asking your employees for some details like setup times, you’ll be on your way to better production control faster than you thought possible.

Software compatibility problems

Many companies purchasing production planning software are doing so as an addition to an existing production software, such as an ERP. However, at times there can be issues with software terminology, making moving the necessary data between the two systems tricky.

The best way to avoid this issue is to get your company’s Information Systems Group involved from the start. Prepare them for the data extracts and manual data augmentation that may need to occur by developing a solid data implementation plan with your software provider.

Give your Information Systems Group a blueprint of what they will need to do before the implementation occurs so they can quickly deliver the data you need in the right format.

Undefined goals

One of the easiest ways to bypass software issues is through thorough research and pre-clarified company goals. Do you know exactly what your plant wants to achieve by implementing production planning software?

Sit down with your team and come up with a list of places where your current system is lacking, and how advanced planning software can help. Once you’ve done so, you can begin your search for the perfect software.

Not enough/improper feature functionality

Perhaps you think you’ve found the planning software of your dreams, but you’re not sure if it will work right for you. There’s a simple solution to that: ask your software provider to help you build a sample scheduling model. This model should be reflective of your goals, manufacturing environment, and your sample data. Software trials will allow you to predict your company’s feature needs and use prior to purchase.

A problem or two is bound to arise when integrating a new production planning software, however, with a little preparation and collaboration with your software provider, you should be able to work through them successfully.

If you would like more information on advanced planning software or a quote for your business, click here.