In manufacturing, production rests on a complex network of procedures. As we head into 2021, manufacturers will be looking to increase efficiency and lower their costs by evaluating their processes from every angle to identify potential improvements. For many, that improvement will start with planning and scheduling.
Planning and scheduling sound similar, but they actually represent distinct aspects of manufacturing production. When these two procedures are properly interconnected, it can produce a myriad of benefits for manufacturers. But first, we need to identify the differences between planning and scheduling, and why one must occur before the other.
The Difference Between Planning and Scheduling
For manufacturers, planning involves big-picture strategy. In a broad sense, planning is the process of determining a proposed course of action a company needs to reach their desired results. In the planning phase of manufacturing, decision-makers determine what they will aim to achieve and how they will make it happen. Planning must be done before scheduling can begin.
Based on these plans, plants can then create detailed schedules. Schedules determine the specific timing and order of the individual tasks needed to carry out the plan, along with the resources required for each step. A schedule will include when each action will occur and who will get it done. Once the schedule is complete, production can begin.
When plans and schedules are created without regard for each other, manufacturers may be surprised with the number of challenges they face. If your organization creates an ambitious plan to initiate sales growth, your production will need a precise schedule to achieve any results. Coordinated planning and scheduling can make reaching goals simpler and more achievable for manufacturers in a number of different ways.
Benefits of Coordinated Planning and Scheduling
Without plans and schedules that are aligned, it can be difficult for manufacturing production to run smoothly and accomplish set goals. According to a survey of manufacturing professionals, two of the top challenges manufacturers face when trying to achieve their goals include a lack of collaboration and disparate systems. A well-honed schedule based on strategic plans can eliminate these common issues to meet or even exceed expectations.
Manufacturing equipment is also always becoming more advanced and complex. These new processes can help improve overall plant efficiency, but only if production schedules are also updated to handle the increasingly complex plans. With an innovative, coordinated approach to plant planning and scheduling, manufacturers can update schedules in real time to reflect new improvements or changes.
As plans and schedules work to make production run harmoniously, it becomes easier to reach your organization’s desired results. An effective plan and schedule will beget an effective outcome. When plans and schedules are coordinated, plants are much less likely to overlook conflicts and fall behind on production. In return, manufacturers are able to improve their capacity utilization, produce better on-time delivery rates, and ensure customer satisfaction.
As with most things today, the most effective way to manage planning and scheduling is through advanced technology. Software like VirtECS is designed specifically for manufacturers’ planning and scheduling challenges and can be customized to fit the unique specifications of your organization. It can even integrate with existing manufacturing software systems to resolve the universal shortcomings of their scheduling capabilities. With more than 25 years of research invested, VirtECS software has been employed worldwide by leading companies in biologic pharmaceuticals, chemical, electronic assembly and other industries. To find out more about our planning and scheduling software, simply fill out the form below to access our VirtECS Overview.
