The Overview

One of the trickiest parts of a manufacturing process is scheduling. For years, finding a unified manufacturing solution that achieves the intended outcomes without compromising usability has been a persistent difficulty. 

NetSuite Production Scheduling’s solution accomplishes this balance with several capabilities that enable the creation of a realistic timetable with little work.

Using the NetSuite Master Production Scheduling solution, which gives you just enough complexity to get the results you need without compromising usability, you can create a realistic timetable and deliver the appropriate product on time and at the best cost.

About NetSuite Production Scheduling 

The real-time scheduling engine Oracle NetSuite Production Scheduling gives your team the tools they need to manage projects effectively. The engine operates both forward and backward and allows you to choose between a finite or infinite scheduling set with user-defined limitations.

Module Basics 

The manufacturing workbench, work center dispatch list, shop calendar definition, batch scheduling, and flexible scheduling code to enable light-to-dark sequencing are some of the features included in this module. You may manage exceptions, adjustments, and daily operational fluctuations with the help of real-time production updates and the drag-and-drop planned operations features for manual override.

Manufacturing Workbench & Calendar View 

You can specify things like labor and asset needs, thorough work instructions, inspection plans, setup and run standards, lag and hold time, and batch configuration using the manufacturing workbench. Important details like work order status, utilization percentages, planned vs completed quantities, and scheduled available hours for a specific time frame are all displayed in the calendar view.

Data Visualization 

Multiple graphical representations of the schedule are available in addition to the calendar view, allowing your team to monitor summaries and trends in real-time and helping you identify patterns that could be used for enhancement.

Key Benefits of NetSuite Production Scheduling

Scheduling with User-definable Constraints 

Depending on their production requirements, companies can select between infinite and finite scheduling with NetSuite Production Scheduling. Planning without resource restrictions is possible with infinite scheduling, which makes it appropriate for long-term forecasts or situations in which resource constraints are not yet known. 

Contrarily, finite scheduling makes sure that tasks are scheduled realistically within operational restrictions by taking into account defined capacities, such as manpower, machinery, or material availability. Because these limitations are completely customizable, companies can modify scheduling settings to fit their own workflows, such as staff shift schedules or equipment limitations.

Real-time Scheduling Engine 

With its forward and backward scheduling features, NetSuite’s real-time scheduling engine may be adjusted to meet a range of production needs. Forward scheduling ensures efficient workflows and reasonable deadlines by planning jobs sequentially, beginning with the current date. 

To effectively fulfill deadlines, backward scheduling calculates the earliest potential start times based on a desired delivery date. To maintain operations flexible and responsive, our real-time engine automatically recalculates schedules whenever there are interruptions, like a sudden change in priorities or a delay in the supply of materials.

Flexible Scheduling Code

The flexibility of scheduling code that allows for light-to-dark sequencing is yet another noteworthy advantage. In industrial operations where sequencing is crucial, like when making items that need to change from light to dark colors to avoid contamination or minimize cleaning efforts between batches, this function is especially helpful.

Drag-and-Drop Scheduling 

Using a drag-and-drop interface, users can manually override automated timetables, enabling last-minute modifications to account for urgent orders or equipment problems. This feature guarantees that companies may use automation to manage repetitive jobs while still having control over their production schedules.

Graphic Representation of Schedule 

Additionally, NetSuite offers a variety of graphical depictions of production timetables, including calendar views and Gantt charts. At a glance, these visual aids make it simple to comprehend job relationships, bottlenecks, and overall deadlines. 

These graphical tools help planning teams and shop floor employees collaborate by providing clear and thorough information, which makes it easier to communicate and carry out production plans.

Key Features of the Module

Real-time Updates from Production 

With real-time updates, NetSuite’s production scheduling is made to keep up with ongoing production activities. The system records real-time information from the shop floor, such as material consumption, equipment availability, and task progress. 

Production planners may proactively address any problems, such as delays or resource shortages, by promptly modifying the schedule to preserve continuity and prevent downtime thanks to this real-time interface.

Real-time Scheduling Engine 

The real-time scheduling engine at the core of this system is constantly recalculating production schedules using current data. This guarantees that timetables stay in line with shifting priorities, the availability of resources, or unforeseen interruptions. Even in dynamic industrial situations, the engine’s efficiency guarantees that orders are finished on time, reduces idle time, and improves resource use.

Drag-and-Drop Scheduling

The drag-and-drop scheduling feature in NetSuite makes manual adjustments simple and intuitive. Without requiring complicated commands, planners can easily transfer projects to different time slots or assign them to different resources as needed. 

Businesses can quickly and effectively adjust their plans thanks to this user-friendly tool, which guarantees operational flexibility even in the face of unforeseen obstacles.

Work Centre Dispatch List 

A Work Center Dispatch List is another feature of the system that gives operators precise and comprehensive task assignments for every work center by guaranteeing that each employee is aware of precisely which jobs to prioritize when this feature simplifies shop floor operations.

Shop Calendar Definition 

This functionality is further improved by the shop calendar specification, which gives companies the ability to specify working days, holidays, and shift schedules. The technology guarantees the accuracy of delivery timelines and avoids overscheduling by coordinating production schedules with actual operating hours.

Batch Scheduling 

By combining related jobs or orders into batches, the batch scheduling feature shortens setup times and boosts production effectiveness. This capability is especially helpful in settings where moving between jobs frequently results in a large amount of downtime or if duties are repetitious. 

By integrating these sophisticated features, NetSuite Production Scheduling enables companies to streamline their production procedures and guarantee that schedules are effective while accommodating the intricacies of the real world. 

Calendar View

The calendar view is among the most widely used and effective scheduling views. This user-friendly page displays a conventional calendar with the work orders scheduled to be completed in each work center along with other crucial data that the scheduler can use, such as work order status, scheduled and available hours, utilization percentage with notifications, and the quantity planned and accomplished.

The FAQs

What are project-based milestones?

Project milestones are important dates that you keep an eye on across a project’s whole life cycle. Milestones draw attention to significant interim occurrences, like the conclusion of a phase, the delivery of supplies, and payment for labor completed. For instance, these milestones are helpful in establishing due dates for billing and work completion.

How does the Gantt chart help in planning and scheduling?

Project schedule visibility is enhanced with a better Gantt chart. It is a helpful tool for project planning and scheduling, tracking project progress, displaying start and end dates, and project summary components.

Why do manufacturing businesses use the NetSuite Project Management module?

The NetSuite accounting system is smoothly integrated with the NetSuite project management module. You may produce and send invoices, compare project performance to budgets, and track time and expenses in addition to managing projects. Revenue recognition, costs, unbilled balances, and other project-related financials are managed via the NetSuite Project Management module.

The Final Words

Summing everything mentioned above, delays, higher expenses, and lower customer satisfaction in the manufacturing business can result from inefficient production planning and scheduling. Manufacturers can increase productivity, cut expenses, and boost customer satisfaction by optimizing the NetSuite production scheduling module. 

Contact us if you are looking for an implementation partner for NetSuite Manufacturing ERP and are curious about how production scheduling works.