Manufacturing integration software leader Fourth Shift Corporation announced today it added a new, higher functionality Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) module to its popular Fourth Shift enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite. Built on Tempo(r) from APS industry leader Systems Modeling Corporation, the new software provides a comprehensive tracking of work orders and schedule changes to help midsize (Tier 3) manufacturers better manage production processes and maximise on-time deliveries.
The new APS module will offer a seamless interface to all ERP components, providing automatic data synchronisation and immediate visibility throughout the manufacturing enterprise. Fourth Shift APS functionality includes consideration of work order capacities, as well as material and tool constraints. Advanced finite scheduling capabilities include a bottleneck-scheduling feature to minimise process hold-ups and improve throughput. In addition, a Microsoft Windows-compatible platform simplifies data sharing and enables users to efficiently create reports from more than 25 other formats, including Microsoft Excel and Access.
"The integration of Systems Modeling`s best-of-breed APS engine into Fourth Shift leading-edge ERP for midsize manufacturers responds to demand for enterprise solutions that are fully developed and tightly integrated, " said Hugh Goble, General Manager at Fourth Shift SA. "This is a new and unique combination of solutions that will provide small and midsize organisations with broader functionality and higher value, plus the confidence that comes with service and support from a single vendor. "
The Fourth Shift APS and ERP interface link simplifies shop floor scheduling functions with the ability to synchronise data between the programs, resulting in greater accuracy and more efficient execution of manufacturing plans and schedules. Real-time information transfer and visibility of transactions across all functional areas of the enterprise ensures greater efficiency and control over work-in-process, and improves accuracy and troubleshooting capabilities to meet critical production deadlines. There is no need to maintain duplicate records, and users can manipulate data to plan an optimal schedule by ensuring records remain synchronised.
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