Advanced Planning System

What is an APS?

An Advanced Planning and Scheduling System represents a mapping of supply chains in the most holistic way possible. It is advanced 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 this system should complement and enhance classic systems.
 
Supply chain mapping takes place at different levels to provide more accurate results strategically, tactically, and executional Ideally, the mapping of supply chains includes all areas from the supplier of individual products to the consumer who will ultimately purchase the products.

The Role of an Advanced Planning System (APS)

The management as well as the planning of supply chains is the focus of an Advanced Planning and Scheduling System (APS). Manufacturing companies need solutions to monitor, manage and ensure a smooth supply chain to eliminate and minimize potential difficulties from the beginning.
 
Mapping the structures of the entire supply chain in real time is one of the tasks of an APS. The entire supply chain is mapped, whereby attention is paid to a very realistic representation for optimal analysis.

What is an APS used for?

An advanced planning system is used by production companies that want to manage and optimize their supply chains. Normally, companies must consider many different factors in their production, some of which are difficult to reconcile, as different people are involved in all the processes.
 
The system works across the board, providing connectivity between people, different systems and all products. The goal is to achieve greater clarity in all supply chains, looking at the individual components as best as possible.
 
The Advanced Planning System is designed to help keep better track of production. As a result, management effort is reduced, planning is simplified, and supply chains are easier to manage and understand.

Benefits of an Advanced Planning System (APS)

Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) includes all areas of a supply chain and does not only include the products, demand and raw material suppliers. The end user is also considered.
 
In addition, complete, integrated and time-saving planning is possible. This simplifies supply chain management for everyone from purchasing to production planning.
 
The idea here is not to replace people entirely. Rather, the idea is to simplify the process, increase transparency, and provide more far-reaching information overall that includes all levels of each supply chain.

Potential Drawbacks 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 take care of this, so even an advanced system is only as good as the people who operate it.
 
Helpful for the most accurate data collection and input is RFID technology, which means that data can already be stored contactless and read in beforehand.

If you have any further questions on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.