ADVANCED PLANNING SYSTEM - APS
ADVANCED PLANNING SYSTEM - WHAT IS A APS?
An advanced planning and scheduling system provides as comprehensive a picture of supply chains as possible. It is a modern software that helps people to achieve better planning, management and execution of the individual components of a supply chain. The idea behind the advanced planning system is that it should complement and expand on traditional systems.
Supply chains are mapped at various levels in order to deliver more accurate results in terms of strategy, tactics and execution. Ideally, the mapping of supply chains covers all areas from the suppliers of individual products to the consumers who will ultimately purchase the products.
TASK OF A ADVANCED PLANNING SYSTEMS (APS)
The management and planning of supply chains is the focus of an Advanced Planning and Scheduling System (APS). Manufacturing companies need solutions for monitoring, managing and ensuring a smooth supply chain in order to rule out and minimise potential difficulties from the outset.
One of the tasks of an APS is to map the structures of the entire supply chain in real time. The entire supply chain is mapped, with attention paid to ensuring a highly realistic representation for optimal analysis.
WHAT IS A ADVANCED PLANNING SYSTEM USED FOR?
An advanced planning system is used by manufacturing companies that want to manage and optimise their supply chains. Companies normally have to take many different factors into account in their production, some of which are difficult to reconcile because different employees are involved in all processes.
The system has a comprehensive effect, connecting people, different systems and all products. The aim is to achieve greater clarity in all supply chains, with the individual components being considered as thoroughly as possible.
The advanced planning system is designed to help keep a better eye on production. This reduces the administrative effort, simplifies planning and makes supply chains easier to manage and understand.
ADVANTAGES OF A APS - ADVANCED PLANNING SYSTEM
Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) covers all areas of a supply chain and does not only include products, demand and raw material suppliers. The end consumer is also taken into account.
In addition, complete, integrated and time-saving planning is possible. This simplifies the management of supply chains for all employees, from purchasing to production planning.
The idea here is not to replace people entirely. Rather, it is about simplifying the process, increasing transparency and providing more comprehensive information that covers all levels of the individual supply chains.
POSSIBLE DISADVANTAGES OF AN APS SYSTEM
Of course, an advanced planning system can only be used properly if all information is fed into the system. Users must ensure this, so even an advanced system is only as good as the people who operate it.
RFID technology is helpful for ensuring that data is captured and entered as accurately as possible, as it allows data to be stored contactlessly and read in advance.