Blog
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Efficiency vs. Productivity: Metrics that Matter…Until They Don’t
Measure efficiency and productivity against your REAL goal I keep seeing the word efficiency in manufacturing media. As someone who specializes in Constraints Management, this term is particularly vexing. It’s one of those words that I believe should be used with extreme caution. When we look at the organizations of today, words like efficiency and…
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The Devastating Impact of Too Much WIP: How Excess Inventory Kills Manufacturing Flow
In manufacturing, WIP (Work in Progress or Work in Process) refers to partially finished goods that are at various stages of production but not yet completed. In accounting terms, WIP represents the value of raw materials, labor, and overhead that has been invested in unfinished product. Reducing WIP is a frequently cited goal for many…
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Solving Wood Products Planning and Scheduling Challenges with Master Item Planner
Table of Contents Manufacturing wood products is not for the faint of heart. As if seasonal and economy-based demand variability weren’t enough, working with organic raw materials such as wood inherently leads to manufacturing process variability. Skilled workers and robust processes are needed to ensure sustainable operations despite thin margins in this highly competitive market.…
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How APS Software Enhances ERP Systems
Table of Contents Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are often praised as all-in-one solutions for managing business processes. They digitize and automate workflows across an organization, offering a wide range of functionalities under one roof. However, when it comes to addressing the specific complexities of manufacturing—like finite capacity planning or managing labor resources—ERP systems can…
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ATP vs. CTP: What’s the Difference and Why Does it Matter?
Table of Contents With global competition intensifying, the number of manufacturers competing for your customers’ business is growing. So how does one create a sustainable advantage in a rapidly shifting competitive landscape? The answer lies in going back to one basic that was as true when the first manufacturer made the first widget as it…
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The Hard Truth About MRP Software – Silos, Delays, and Broken Promises
Table of Contents Ask anyone handling production planning in a complex manufacturing environment what their greatest obstacles to success are. If they’re being honest, you’ll probably hear common complaints like these: “The organization is too siloed. Departments that should be working together don’t seem capable of collaborating.” “Sales keeps promising delivery dates we can’t meet.…