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Advanced Open Source Software and it's ROI


Open source software generally refers to a software program which is designed by a community of programmers. The software is then distributed for free throughout the internet to anyone who is interested in downloading and installing the system. The source code to this software is available to anyone who downloads the system and has the knowledge of how to modify the code to make the software fit their organization. Unfortunately with this type of software there are many downfalls including limited access or no access to support teams should something go wrong with the application. Hackers are more prone to invading these systems since anyone has access to the code and can easily disturb and affect the system.

Companies such as Tuppas Software Corp. offer systems which can be available as open source, sometimes referred to as source available or advanced open source software. These systems are not the same as a free open source system found on the internet. Manufactures can purchase modules such as scheduling software from the company and if they choose have full access to the source code. These systems offer a unique framework which can be easily changed once the system is designed and implemented. IT members of the manufactures team can be trained on this framework as to how to modify the user interfaces, reports and overall system structure as the business grows and changes.

Because this training gives open access to the software’s source code companies will notice a large ROI. For example the system is extremely cost effective. Open source systems generally require some type of modifications however, with source available some modifications may be required but are much less expensive then similar generic or “out-of-the-box” software. Also, there is less training required because the tailored screens are easy to understand and use the terminology familiar to your organization.

With advanced open source software companies will benefit from configured systems which can be easily upgraded and modified. Another reason the ROI with this type of software is even greater is because the software can be modified to its fullest extend to benefit the company and help execute their continuous improvement plan. Further the source code is only available to the software company and the manufacture which virtually eliminates the possibility of hackers invading and changing the system.







Ways to Track Production Losses


It’s easy to find ways for humans to trim down and become lean but what ways are available when it’s a manufacture that is trying to become “lean.” One way to start is by slimming down the production process which will in turn help to reduce manufacturing costs.

To become lean manufactures need to begin by tracking, identifying and reducing losses in various areas of their processes. These areas begin with downtime, quality and speed to name a few. It is wise for manufactures to look at areas which are commonly known to have high loss such as during setup time, unscheduled equipment downtime, defects, reworking, excess inventory, unnecessary waiting and handling periods.

So where do we begin to track these production losses so that they can be properly addressed? Start with finding a system that is web-based. These systems allow for anytime access to data and allow for real time data updates to keep organizations on top of their processes. Manufactures will have the capability of accessing information from anywhere a browser is available which will allow for accurate updates and system analysis. Web-based systems allow for easy data entry and immediate updates to the system.

Additionally, some systems that are developed allow for the tracking and corrective actions which are associated with losses. These can be viewable through graphs, charts and reports. When looking for organizations which offer production loss systems, look for OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and organizations which can tailor these systems to your specific needs and requirements. This will help your organization run more efficiently.







Software With Real Time Access


The environment we work in doesn’t stop on the weekends anymore. Organizations are constantly looking toward new ways of improving their efficiencies and out performing their competitors. They are constantly looking for ways to access the most current data which will allow them to stay on their “A” game at all times.

Many organizations are beginning to switch to software options which will allow them to access all pertinent information instantaneously and make changes as they are needed. Web-based software has become the leading light in this ever demanding field. Within the manufacturing process this has become a great tool which allows organizations to continuously track their performance, product and efficiencies all at one time.

A huge benefit to implementing a web-based, also known as browser-based software system is the opportunity for the organization to save time and money. This is obtained in part through the reduced amount of IT support that is required to upgrade these systems. Because the software only needs to be installed on one centralized server, IT personnel will not have to install the systems on each individual computer and revisit these computers when an upgrade needs to take place.

Real time data access is available from any browser located around the world including smartphones and PDAs. Text messages, emails and page alerts can also be sent to management or other personnel for any updates or changes that are occurring within the program.

For more information on web-based manufacturing options take a look at this web site which talks about many of the benefits that come with web-based solutions and offers insight into tailored software solutions.





When Money is Down How to Keep Scheduling Up


Money is tight right now, we all know that. So why am I wasting your time telling you to spend money? The answer is obvious; you need to spend money to make money. Although we would all like for it to rain down or to grow on trees that just wont happen. Now back to reality. You work for a manufacture correct? Currently you are in charge of the production scheduling and the system you have in place is just not cutting it any more. I can only imagine what this system consists of – post its, maybe an excel spread sheet or two with all kinds of white out and hand written gibberish scribbled on the paper. Very nice. So you’re looking for a software system which will help organize your machines, employees and most importantly, help you reduce the amount of time that is spent rearranging those schedules so you can go back to performing more significant tasks. Thankfully there is a light at the end of the deep dark tunnel.

With production scheduling software, rearranging your entire schedule when a high priority task comes in is no longer an issue. Scheduling software can come in many different formations and often purchasers do not know which the best one to purchase is. There are three general types 1. Canned or out-of-the-box 2. custom 3. tailored.

Canned systems are designed for the industry and not for the individual client. While their systems may be cost and time friendly they are not designed to meet the needs of your organization. Custom systems are made from scratch and allow companies to have them designed to their own specifications. While this is a great thought they are generally more expensive and take a significant amount of time build and it is difficult to complete upgrades. Tailored systems are probably the best of the three that you could choose. Tailored systems are designed specifically for the user from a framework that was already set in place which means they do not take a long time to implement. Additionally, there is a significant reduction in cost and the system can be changed and upgraded effortlessly.

I think you know which type of software gains my approval now what will the system do for your and your organization? Organizing your workloads, machinery, workers, materials, tools and employees is the first step. How does an increase in production efficiency sound? By helping your organization run like products together you will notice a reduction in changes and clean out times. Inventory will have a reduction because less inventory will be required to fill any time sensitive orders when capacity can be predicted accurately. Of course there will be a reduction in the amount of time that will be required on the part of the scheduler. All great benefits any company could use.

For more information on the benefits companies can gain from scheduling software take a look at this blog which is an awesome resource for information pertaining to production scheduling.





Buying Software With Little Money


Purchasing a software module can be a very expensive undertaking. There is a new option available from many companies known as Software as a Service, or SaaS for short. With SaaS companies pay for the software they would like to use on a monthly or quarterly basis. However, this software is not owned by the company, it is more like renting. This may seem like a disadvantage but this type of software is becoming increasingly popular because of the benefits it includes.

One of the greatest benefits available include the customer can test the software without the concern of investing a large amount of money into the system. Upgrades and any required support is generally included in the price of SaaS models which can amount to a very large savings. Additionally, the applications are generally browser-based and do not require instillation on company’s computers because it can be accessed remotely.

Some vendors develop systems that are designed for usage by several different clients. If a client requests the system to be tailored more to their needs they can be modified and are known as high-end SaaS. SaaS scheduling software exists in both forms.

While it is discouraging to many companies that the software can not be designed for their specific requirements many companies choose to start out with the SaaS model and then purchase the software at a later date.

Some ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems are available through the SaaS model. Here is a Configurable ERP website that explains ERP systems a little more in depth.





Advanced Planning Software


Around the world companies are being forced to change the way they are exploiting their money with the gloom of ever the changing economy. Some companies are utilizing an innovative approach and implementing Advanced Planning Software, commonly referred to as APS. Companies are reaching new heights of optimization with their software systems because of the custom filters and advanced planning functions that are available. This type of optimization allows companies to view an arrangement of work loads based on constraints and custom criteria.

There are a multitude of benefits that are obtained within any APS system. The most obvious benefits are items such as accurate delivery date quotes and labor load leveling. Additionally employees will notice a decrease in change over times, an increase in production efficiency, inventory reduction and faster time-to-market. APS software gives companies the opportunity to easily create, view, modify and sequence production schedules. Ultimately with any APS system the overall manufacturing efficiency will be improved and there is a reduction in the IT software support requirements.

APS software systems can be easily integrated with existing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and MRP (Material Resource Planning) systems. There are multiple options of where these systems can be installed as well. For example, companies can place these systems on an internal server or have it hosted. With the option of having the system hosted companies will reduce their software, hardware and support requirements. These systems also have the capability of being centralized which result in less training and an additional reduction in IT support and hardware.

With APS you will develop an exact delivery plan organizing all of the manufacturing resources, tools, workers, machinery, and inventory giving companies the confidence to commit to delivery dates. In addition APS increases production efficiently by decreasing product life cycle time, labor load leveling, and decreasing change over times.







Practical Artificial Intelligence


Intelligence is an attribute that is often difficult to quantify. Humans can process information in a manner that has yet to be duplicated by machines. Still, many programmers continue to develop AI as a challenge, trying to mimic human behavior and responses as closely as possible. These studies have not generally produced practical results in the area of personal interaction. The ability of a programmed machine to interact with people or to decipher emotion is rudimentary at best.

Most human behavior is difficult to duplicate with a computer, but computers have advantages over human capabilities in regards to calculations and memory. Computers programmed to “think” strategically -- such as playing chess -- have surpassed the skills of their most talented human opponents. A computer is not more intelligent than a person, it just has the ability to foresee millions of consequences of it’s choices within minutes or even seconds. This ability is beyond the means of most people.

Arranging optimal schedules for production is a similar skill to playing chess because it requires cause and effect evaluation for hundreds of variables. This is one area in which AI offers a practical application.

Only a few software companies offer AI for practical business purposes because very few software programmers are capable of creating the genetic algorithms for the core of practical AI. Also, AI must be created for a specific function, not as a generic routine. For this reason, software companies can not sell one system thousands of times as their normal sales model requires. Due to it’s nature, only a few companies offer practical Artificial Intelligence that really works.







Scheduling ROI


There are quite a few ways to create a good ROI on your scheduling system. One of the most common areas companies consider when considering the purchase of a scheduling system is an ability to increase the overall effectiveness of the workcenters in the plant. Good systems will allow the sequence to be optimized and arrange the schedule so that the transition times between jobs is reduced, or so that increases in efficiency are achieved because the systems is making good decisions about product transitions. This can be one of the larges paybacks of return on investment.

Another good source of cost benefit is interaction with customer delivery and available to promise and capacity utilization. A good system will provide it’s users with a view into what can actually be achieved in relationship to customer requests. Many good systems will have an interface that can be used by the customer service department to do what if analysis into demand. We have also looked at systems that can show the schedulers and customer service department where there is available capacity. This can be a valuable tool that can be used to discount machine time. There is also something to be said for increased customer satisfaction. The ability to accurately forecast delivery can really mean success of failure in many business segments.

There are also a host of industry specific constraints that vary from business to business that can really improve the ability of a company to out perform its’ competition. Some examples of these types of constraints could be just in time delivers to satellite locations. Just in time deliveries to satellites can create inventory reduction in some businesses that allow the team to create and inventory reduction and increase operating capital. Another example might include routing and logistics considerations. There are companies that improve the bottom line by scheduling shipments to run in a more logical flow and reduce shipping expense. It can really pay to pick a flexible solutions provider that has the experience and the tool set to accomplish these types of systems.

We suggest taking a look at companies like Tuppas software or ShopfloorReporting.com. These companies have very agile architectures and they can build complex solutions that provide strong benefit affordably

If you're searching for more information on production scheduling you might want to check out the Production SCheduling Software Directory. The site offers information on scheduling software as well as information on APS.