Managing production is a fundamental aspect for every manufacturing company, because it is precisely in this phase, the production phase, that the main process of every manufacturing company takes place. So what is the best software to manage this process?
Whatis production management
Let’s start by defining what is meant by production management. Production management refers to the decision-making process through which production resources are organized in order to achieve certain objectives. It is divided, also at the temporal level, into the following three phases:
- Planning
- Programming
- Control
Plan production with Excel
Most companies use Excel as analytical software to plan their production and consequently to make important strategic decisions. Although Excel is a very useful and versatile software, which makes it easy to create data sets and calculations and allows endless customizations of your files, relying solely on this solution hides pitfalls.
The main risk is that the files can become overly complicated and divided into numerous cells and folders and this brings with it a series of repercussions on daily operations. Often such complex files can only be understood by those who created them, affecting communication and collaboration between departments. Also, if each department has its own file, it becomes difficult to merge the information to get an overview.
The greater the number of data contained in an Excel file, the more difficult it will be to make small changes or variations, even the simplest ones. Editing the file becomes laborious and can result in many hours of work, without the certainty that the final result is error-free.
Considering these first elements, it is already quite evident how production planning in Excel is less efficient than using specific software. Added to this is the fact that using Excel makes it difficult, if not impossible, to make accurate predictions.
In conclusion, Excel is a tool with great potential, but it is certainly not the right tool to plan production in a company that operates in a modern and dynamic context like the current one.
What are the production management software
The best known software for production management is the so-called management software, in English ERP (which stands for Enterprise Resource Planning). This type of software, as the name itself says, is used to plan the company’s resources and integrates the relevant business processes of a company (sales, purchases, warehouse management, accounting, etc.).
Over the years, these software solutions have been accompanied by specific departmental software that can significantly increase the effectiveness of the relevant areas of expertise.
Thus, APS or Advanced Planning and Scheduling software have supplanted production planning and scheduling operations, giving greater insight into the Supply Chain, simulation and forecasting capacity, finite capacity reasoning and more.
In recent years, DDMRP solutions have also been added, namely Demand Driven Material Requirements Planning, useful for industrial companies to plan the supply of materials in a modern and advanced way with the use of techniques that reduce waste, excesses and forecasting errors.
Who uses production management software
Typically the people who need the information provided by such software are roles that involve making decisions and supervising the Supply Chain and directing the production department.
The people in charge of production management are the Supply Chain Manager, the Logistics Manager, the Production Manager, the Planning Manager, the Plant Manager.
Which companies use production management software
Production management characterizes manufacturing companies; among these, the most ambitious adopt advanced solutions that allow in-depth and up-to-date analysis: APS.
Cybertec’s extensive experience has made it possible to collect numerous Success Cases for companies in various sectors.
These include some who have benefited from Advanced Planning and Scheduling software for several years, and others who have adopted the solution more recently.
Discover all the “Success Cases” created together with the leading companies in their sector, by clicking here.
The benefits of production management software
The adoption of APS software brings with it a series of advantages that have positive repercussions throughout the company, starting from a better production management capacity and greater competitiveness. By aligning and fostering a strategic collaboration between sales activities and production capacity, the company can benefit from a better organization that allows for more regular and on-time deliveries, along with better communication with suppliers for the procurement of raw materials.
The smooth flow of all production processes leads to less waste of resources and considerable savings in terms of inventory and production costs, which in turn increase profits and efficiency.
In general, it can be summarized that an APS improves the accuracy of forecasts and maximizes the service level thanks to an advanced production planning and scheduling solution that uses finite capacity logic and detailed scheduling.
CyberPlan, production management software
Cybertec’s APS, CyberPlan, is the best tool to manage production thanks to the most modern technologies used and 30 years of experience at the service of Italian and foreign Supply Chains. Companies that use CyberPlan to manage the production department, replacing numerous Excel sheets, have found numerous advantages in a short time:
- Increase in service level up to 33%;
- Reduction of warehouses by up to 50%;
- Increased productivity by up to 10%;
- ROI within the year.
These benefits are made possible by strong investments in R&D as well as close collaboration with hundreds of Italian and foreign companies, from small businesses to large multinationals. This commitment has allowed Cybertec to create complete, powerful and simple solutions used effectively all over the world.
Do you have the best tool to manage your production?
Most manufacturing companies do not have adequate solutions to support production planning processes, from sales forecasting to detailed scheduling.
Processes that require computing power to optimize the plan and generate rapid simulations that maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
Reduce inventory, increase productivity and reliability of delivery dates with a collaborative tool integrated into your management system, talk to an expert.