Production scheduling is a manufacturing execution tool used where shop orders are inappropriate. Manufacturing production schedules can be created in different ways depending on how the primary demand for an item is managed. Line schedules can be created from Master Scheduling, MRP, or manually. Schedules are not necessarily required to report production of assemblies in this application.
Production schedules are managed using time horizons defined for the item on a line. Production requirements falling within the schedule horizon first appear as planned, or non-firm, production to be re-planned as required by the planning system. Schedules within the firm horizon are not re-planned and are maintained manually until consumed by reported production. Past due schedules are the first to be consumed by reported production. You can manually ‘firm’ a production schedule record, if desired, to avoid replanning of the planned schedule.
To define production schedules, start with the definition and logistical layout of the manufacturing cells and the items to be produced. To generate schedules automatically from Master Scheduling or MRP, the part must be defined with a ‘Schedule’ supply code. Schedule horizons must also be defined for the items on the line.