Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Featured Guides
Capacity Utilization KPI: Formula, Benchmarks, and Optimization Strategies
Calculate manufacturing capacity utilization accurately, compare benchmarks by industry, and learn why optimizing utilization — not maximizing it — drives the best manufacturing outcomes.
Changeover Time Reduction: SMED Guide with Formulas and Strategies
Reduce manufacturing changeover times by 40-60% using SMED methodology. Includes changeover time formulas, industry benchmarks, step-by-step implementation, and scheduling optimization techniques.
Cost Per Unit in Manufacturing: Calculation, Benchmarks, and Reduction Strategies
Calculate manufacturing cost per unit accurately with formulas for material, labor, and overhead allocation. Includes benchmarks and strategies to reduce unit costs through scheduling optimization.
First Pass Yield (FPY): Formula, Benchmarks, and Improvement Guide
Calculate first pass yield accurately, compare against industry benchmarks, and implement strategies to reduce rework and scrap. Includes rolled throughput yield and scheduling connections.
Inventory Turnover Ratio: Calculation, Benchmarks, and Improvement Strategies
Master the inventory turnover ratio with calculation formulas, industry benchmarks by sector, and proven strategies to improve turns while maintaining service levels and avoiding stockouts.
Machine Downtime Tracking: Formulas, Benchmarks, and Reduction Strategies
Implement effective machine downtime tracking with calculation formulas, industry benchmarks, Pareto analysis techniques, and strategies to reduce unplanned downtime by 30-50%.
Manufacturing Cycle Time: Calculation, Benchmarks, and Reduction Strategies
Learn how to calculate manufacturing cycle time, understand benchmark ranges by industry, and apply proven strategies to reduce cycle times by 30-50% using scheduling optimization.
Manufacturing Lead Time Reduction: Strategies to Cut Lead Times by 30-50%
Reduce manufacturing lead times with proven strategies. Covers lead time calculation, component breakdown, industry benchmarks, and how finite capacity scheduling eliminates queue time waste.
On-Time Delivery KPI: Formula, Benchmarks, and Improvement Strategies
Master the on-time delivery KPI with calculation formulas, industry benchmarks, root cause analysis for late shipments, and proven strategies to reach 95%+ OTD rates.
Production Efficiency Calculation: Formulas, Benchmarks, and Optimization
Calculate production efficiency with OEE, TEEP, and throughput efficiency formulas. Compare against industry benchmarks and implement strategies to improve manufacturing efficiency by 15-25%.
Schedule Adherence KPI: Formula, Benchmarks, and Improvement Guide
Master the schedule adherence KPI with calculation formulas, manufacturing benchmarks, root cause analysis for adherence failures, and strategies to achieve 95%+ schedule compliance.
Scrap Rate Reduction: Formula, Benchmarks, and Proven Manufacturing Strategies
Reduce manufacturing scrap rates with data-driven strategies. Includes scrap rate formulas, industry benchmarks, root cause analysis methods, and how scheduling optimization minimizes waste.