Job shop scheduling is the process of detailing the resources that are allocated for particular jobs and the most efficient way to do all the jobs simultaneously. With companies accepting hundreds of orders from multiple customers daily, scheduling jobs can be challenging given limited resources and time. Job scheduling can be managed efficiently and easily by using the right software.
Job scheduling typically requires the creation of complex algorithms and mathematical graphs. However, with scheduling software, this can be eradicated as the software tools effectively keep all the information on a centralized server, for real-time processing. This allows the operator to keep track of each and every job, machine, department and employee by hour, day, week or month. Each machine can be programmed individually or the entire workshop can be programmed at once. These tools are also smart enough to prioritize tasks, determine capacity requirements, and schedule accordingly. They can create schedules based on the real-time capacities of resources, people, and machines, as well as the current utilized capacity of the shop floor. They can identify WIP, ERD (estimated release dates), yields, backlogs, JIP scheduling, ASAP scheduling, priority scheduling, tandem scheduling, parallel scheduling, chunk scheduling, ship date scheduling, station specific scheduling, station and much more.
An ideal job scheduling software is flexible enough to accommodate additional jobs and rush orders. It effectively identifies bottlenecks in the process and seeks to eliminate them. It keeps you in control by measuring performance based on planned critical paths versus actual critical paths driven by capacity, net change effects, pulse rates, and more.
Shop scheduling software should be easy to use, cost effective, and easy to coordinate with existing systems. Simple and easy to use interface, multi-user interface, easy configuration, finite capacity planning, advanced scheduling and direct file linking with other systems are other desirable features. Many also have advanced features such as integrated MRP/ERP system, drag and drop scheduling, manufacturing capacity planning tools, integrated job quoting modules, multi-cell and plant manufacturing support, lean manufacturing and others.
There are hundreds of workshop scheduling software tools available. Many vendors offer additional services such as analytics, modeling, integration, training, data cleansing, customization, implementation, and benefit measurement.
