How to turn your ERP into a production powerhouse: With APS as a productivity booster

Why ERP alone is not enough for modern manufacturing

In today’s manufacturing landscape, efficiency is more than just a buzzword – it’s a critical success factor. Companies face mounting pressure to produce faster, more flexibly, and more cost-effectively. At the same time, expectations around on-time delivery, product variety, and transparency are rising across the entire value chain. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems have been the backbone of corporate IT for decades. They manage master data, coordinate business processes, and act as a central source of truth.

However, when it comes to production planning, ERP Systems often fall short. Their planning capabilities tend to be basic, capacity-independent, and geared toward rough scheduling. The consequences? Unrealistic delivery dates, inefficient resource utilization, and limited agility in responding to disruptions or last-minute changes.

This is where APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) Systems come in – as intelligent add-ons that enhance ERP and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) to form a powerful trio. APS Solutions enable capacity-aware detailed planning, reliable delivery date commitments, and dynamic production control. They’re not just tools for the production team, they’re strategic levers that optimize the entire order-to-cash process, from sales and procurement to delivery.

ERP Systems: Central backbone with weaknesses in production

ERP Systems are a cornerstone of today’s corporate infrastructure. They serve as the central platform for managing all business processes – from financial accounting and human resources to materials management. ERP systems typically integrate some kind of production planning.

But this is where challenges arise:

• Rough instead of precise – the reality of ERP-based planning: Production planning in ERP is usually done at a very rough level. It relies on static bills of materials, routings, and inventory data without performing a true capacity check. In other words, the ERP “plans,” but it doesn’t know whether the required resources such as machines, personnel, or tools are actually available. It lacks awareness of bottlenecks, setup times, and maintenance schedules. The result: plans that look good on paper but fail in practice.

• Delivery dates with little substance: Another common issue is the way ERP Systems calculate delivery dates that are often based on flat throughput times or fixed rules. They don’t consider current workloads, capacity constraints, or material availability. This leads to unrealistic promises to customers, with serious consequences: delayed deliveries, contractual penalties, and reputational damage.

• ERP as a single point of truth – but only with accurate data: ERP Systems are often described as the “single source of truth” – the central repository for all company data. But this truth is only as reliable as the data fed into the system. Without capacity-checked planning, real-time production data, and feedback from detailed scheduling, the ERP remains blind. It can manage, but not control. It can document, but not optimize.

The solution for your ERP in production: APS as a smart add-on

An APS System complements the ERP exactly where it’s needed most: in detailed planning. It checks capacities, simulates scenarios, optimizes resources, and calculates realistic delivery dates. These dates are then fed back into the ERP – transforming it into a true “single source of truth.” This creates a powerful synergy: the ERP remains the central data hub, while the APS delivers the intelligence required for modern production planning.

MES Systems: Smart instance for increasing complexity

While ERP Systems manage the strategic and administrative aspects of a company, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) provide real-time operational data directly from the shop floor. They are especially valuable in environments that are complex, automated, or highly variable. For smaller or less automated companies, however, an MES may not be essential. In such cases, a modern APS Solution like GANTTPLAN APS can already handle many feedback functions independently.

MES: Valuable beyond a certain threshold

An MES System proves particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:

• High automation: Numerous machines, production lines, or robots requiring continuous monitoring.

• Complex manufacturing processes: Diverse product ranges, frequent changeovers, and stringent quality standards.

• Critical company size: Multiple facilities, international operations, and high order volumes.

• Traceability and compliance: Industries subject to regulatory requirements (e.g., pharmaceuticals, automotive, food).

In these cases, the MES delivers valuable real-time data that the APS system uses for dynamic, detailed planning – including machine status, completion notifications, and quality data.

APS Systems: The missing piece in ERP-based production

An APS System is more than just a planning tool with a graphical control station. It’s the brain of modern manufacturing. It bridges strategic planning and operational control, enabling production plans that are not only theoretically sound but also practically executable.

What is an APS System?

APS stands for Advanced Planning and Scheduling. It’s a specialized solution for capacity-checked, detailed planning and optimization of production processes. Unlike the sequential rough planning found in ERP Systems, APS considers all relevant factors simultaneously:

• Machine capacities
• Personnel availability
• Material flows
• Setup times
• Maintenance cycles
• Delivery dates
• Priorities and restrictions

Key advantages of an APS System

Realistic delivery dates with Capable to Promise (CTP)

A standout feature of APS is the CTP check (Capable to Promise). While ERP systems typically perform an ATP check (Available to Promise) – verifying whether an item is in stock – APS goes further. It simulates whether and when an order can actually be produced, factoring in all resources and constraints. The result: realistic, reliable delivery dates that can be directly communicated to sales.

Simultaneous optimization instead of sequential planning

APS Systems plan simultaneously rather than sequentially. They evaluate all orders, resources, and constraints at once to find the best possible solution – often using heuristic or AI-supported algorithms. The outcome is not just feasible plans, but optimized ones based on weighted target criteria. At GANTTPLAN, these include setup times, personnel costs, production costs, throughput times, capacity utilization, capital commitment, and delivery reliability.

Proactive rather than reactive production planning

APS Systems are proactive. They detect potential bottlenecks early, simulate alternatives, and suggest preventive measures before issues arise. This makes them a true early warning system for production.

The benefits of an APS System – concrete and measurable

An APS System is not a theoretical concept, but a proven tool that delivers measurable results in real-world production environments. And its impact extends far beyond the shop floor – benefiting departments from sales and purchasing to executive management.

Integration of ERP, APS, and MES – the digital triumvirate

The true power of an APS System unfolds when it operates in concert with ERP and MES. Together, these three systems form the digital backbone of modern manufacturing – each with a distinct role, yet only truly effective when seamlessly integrated. This integration is not a technical detail, but a strategic success factor.

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Integration options and interfaces of GANTTPLAN APS:

• Configurable time-controlled or event-driven import from various sources (REST, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle)
• Flexible export configurations
• SQL-based events before or after import/export
• Object-specific import/export customization

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Important prerequisites for integration with GANTTPLAN APS:

• Bidirectional communication: Data must be both read and written back.
• Real-time capability: Systems must respond quickly to support dynamic planning.
• Data security and consistency: All systems must access the same validated data to avoid inconsistencies.

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Benefits of an integrated GANTTPLAN APS System landscape:

• Consistent transparency: All departments work with the same validated data.
• Rapid responsiveness: Production changes immediately trigger updated plans and schedules.
• Efficient processes: No duplicate data maintenance, no media disruptions, no manual coordination.
• Strategic control: Management receives reliable, real-time data for informed decision-making.

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Selection of ERP Systems with GANTTPLAN APS integration:

*This overview highlights a selection of ERP systems currently used in GANTTPLAN APS implementation projects. We’re also continuously developing new connectors as part of customer collaborations to ensure seamless integration with additional ERP solutions. (All logos shown are the property of their respective brand owners.)

Conclusion: Why an APS System is not a luxury, but a necessity

Modern manufacturing faces unprecedented demands: shorter delivery times, greater product variety, maximum efficiency, minimal inventory – all under increasing complexity and competitive pressure. In this environment, a traditional ERP System alone is no longer sufficient. Even a standalone MES System cannot fully meet these challenges.

Only with an APS System can the digital production landscape become complete and future-proof.

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Why ERP needs the truth – and APS delivers it:

ERP is the central repository, the “single point of truth.” But this truth is only reliable when it’s based on realistic, capacity-checked, and dynamically updated data. That’s exactly where APS comes in:

• It calculates realistic delivery dates and stores them in the ERP.
• It optimizes production planning, providing reliable data for purchasing, sales, and controlling.
• It reacts to disruptions before they escalate – keeping the ERP continuously updated.
• It simulates scenarios that support strategic decision-making.

In short: APS makes ERP a reflection of reality.

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Benefits for the entire company:

An APS System is not an isolated solution for production planning. It’s a strategic tool for the entire organization:

• Sales gains reliable delivery dates and strengthens customer trust.
• Purchasing orders precisely and demand-driven – just-in-time and just-in-sequence.
• Production operates efficiently, flexibly, and without disruption.
• Management takes informed decisions based on valid data and simulations.
• IT benefits from integrated, scalable, and future-ready systems.

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APS is a must! Not an option!

In times of digitalization, Industry 4.0, and global competition, an APS System is no longer a luxury. It is essential for:

• Competitiveness
• Customer satisfaction
• Efficiency and sustainability
• Transparency and controllability

Companies that still plan without APS risk not only operational inefficiencies – but also strategic disadvantages.

Digression 1: Just-in-time and just-in-sequence with an APS System

In industrial manufacturing, two principles are widely recognized for boosting efficiency and reducing costs: Just-in-Time (JIT) and Just-in-Sequence (JIS). Both aim to streamline material flows and production processes to minimize waste and maximize flexibility. However, while powerful in theory, their practical implementation is highly complex – and virtually impossible without a robust APS system.

Conclusion of the digression:

JIT and JIS are powerful strategies for improving efficiency. But they are highly sensitive to planning errors. Without an APS System capable of detailed planning and real-time data processing, these concepts cannot be reliably implemented. For any company serious about JIT and JIS, an APS System is not just helpful, it’s the tactical navigator that makes it possible.

Digression 2: Order-to-cash process with an APS System

The Order-to-Cash (O2C) process is one of the most critical business workflows in any manufacturing company. It spans all steps from order entry to payment receipt, covering the entire value chain from customer request to financial realization. A smooth O2C process is essential for customer satisfaction, liquidity, and competitiveness.

Yet, this process is often plagued by uncertainties and media disruptions, especially in production. While ERP Systems map the O2C process, they quickly reach their limits when it comes to planning and control. This is where an APS System proves its value – not just as a companion, but as a tactical control tool that actively optimizes the process.

The seven phases of the order-to-cash process in ERP Systems:

APS vs. ERP – a direct comparison in the OTC process

How APS transforms the O2C process

• CTP instead of ATP: The customer order is sent to the APS System as soon as it is entered. There, a capacity check is performed – Capable to Promise. The result: a reliable delivery date that is fed directly back into the ERP System.

• Detailed planning instead of gut feeling: Production planning takes place in the APS system – taking into account all resources, restrictions, and real-time data. This results in realistic, optimized plans.

• Dynamic control: In the event of disruptions or changes, the APS System replans automatically and in real time. The ERP receives updated data that is also relevant for invoicing and logistics.

• Transparency for all departments: Sales, purchasing, production, and controlling access the same validated data – the ERP remains the single point of truth, fed by the intelligence of the APS.

The result: The O2C process is not only stabilized, but strategically optimized – with ERP as the data backbone and APS as the tactical brain.