using project to schedule out a machine shop .....

[Timothy Petersen]

Hello -

We are currently using our ERP systems built in scheduling
engine to manage our machine shop. The question has come up
lately "is there a better way to manage the work / jobs
flowing through the shop. I have heard of Project before
but have never actually used it (other than downloading the
trial version a couple of days ago). So, the question is,
would any of you Project experts out there recomend using
it to schedule machines (of different capeabilities) making
parts that flow through one or more of them, as well as go
outside the company for subcontracted processes?

Thanks in advance for any and all help / advice.

Tim
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi Timothy,

Apart from being a Project MVP, I'm also learning AXAPTA and I couldn't help
compating the scheduling features of both.

Simply put: Project is WAY simpler but it has many, many less features
(replacement machines, schedule to work centers or to individual
machines...); moreover linking it to your accounting system will probably be
a custom job.

If you can live with the limitations of Project and its leveling, you can
produce a reasonable schedule rapidly.
But if you want to schedule your orders automatically taking into account
aal typical production constraints, use a production software - especially
if you're already there.

HTH