Flexible Scheduling Options For Your Business

Scheduling is a crucial but challenging task for any subcontract precision engineering business. Many still rely on manual methods such as Excel spreadsheets, ticketing systems or even whiteboards which are repetitive, time-consuming and prone to human error.

PSL Datatrack offers two production control software modules for workshop scheduling. These are Work In Progress (WIP) and its bigger brother, the Sequential Scheduler.

An ideal starting point for smaller businesses in particular, the WIP module is effectively a light version of the full scheduler and provides overall capacity planning, control and tracking through all available resources.

It has three main functions. The first is to report the extent of completion of each operation in the process for any given works order. The second is to calculate load hours and the third is to display a graphical representation of the load hours.

WIP details all information about outstanding works orders instantly and therefore enables users to make informed rescheduling decisions, in order to meet customer delivery commitments and overcome potential production bottlenecks.

If a user is ready to upgrade to the full Sequential Scheduler module, this is easily performed by PSL Datatrack with no disruption to the shop floor.

The Sequential Scheduler is designed to calculate start and end dates for all process operations belonging to active works orders, and to determine whether any cost centres are over capacity. If desired, this can be the scheduling start point for a business with no prior use of WIP required.

The Scheduler dates can be calculated based on either the Target Date (to be achieved) or the Capacity available using quotation process times. Operations can be set to overlap to provide a more realistic representation of production work flow.

‘Work To’ lists provide the sequence of jobs that should progress through each resource. Loading and Estimated Completion reports are also available, allowing users to review and reschedule if necessary. Operations that have similar setup requirements can be grouped and the entire schedule can be recalculated within seconds. A recent enhancement also allows production planners to schedule setters alongside their machines.

Both of the scheduling modules can be updated either manually or by posting Shop Floor Data Collection (SFDC) transactions to provide visibility of the progress made throughout each operation. If upgrading from WIP to the Sequential Scheduler, the same SFDC processes will remain in place and continue to provide consistent updates on machine capacity, production of work, jobs running behind schedule and many other areas of production.

All live scheduling information can be displayed on Status Boards and Charts. These dynamic screens update automatically without any user intervention and are highly popular with PSL Datatrack customers. Common uses for Status Boards include displaying the current shop floor work-to-list, jobs requiring work that day and which customer deliveries are due out on a particular day.

In the current climate, it is essential to know that the staff, resource, material and tooling required is readily available to complete a job and deliver it to the customer on time. Why stress when PSL Datatrack’s scheduling options can take the headache away?

Contact us on 01344 827312 or to speak to a production control software expert today.