Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
MRP Nervousness: Causes, Effects & How to Stabilize Your Plans
Understand MRP nervousness, why MRP systems generate excessive schedule changes, and proven techniques like time fences, firm planned orders, and dampening to stabilize material plans.
MRP Net Requirements Calculation: Step-by-Step with Examples
Master the MRP net requirements calculation with formulas, step-by-step examples, and time-phased planning grids. Learn how MRP determines what to order and when for every component.
MRP vs JIT: Which Material Planning Strategy Fits Your Factory?
Compare MRP and JIT (Just-in-Time) manufacturing approaches. Learn the key differences, when to use each, and how to combine MRP and JIT for optimal production planning.
MRP vs MRP II vs ERP: Key Differences Manufacturers Must Know
Understand the differences between MRP, MRP II, and ERP systems. Learn which manufacturing planning approach fits your operation's size, complexity, and budget in 2026.
MRP vs Spreadsheets: When to Upgrade from Excel to MRP Software
Compare MRP software against spreadsheet-based planning. Learn the signs you have outgrown Excel, what MRP automates, and how to make the transition with minimum disruption.
Multi-Level BOM in MRP: Structure, Explosion & Low-Level Codes
Master multi-level bills of materials in MRP. Learn BOM explosion, low-level coding, parent-child relationships, and how MRP processes complex product structures across multiple assembly levels.
Safety Stock in MRP: Formulas, Calculations & Best Practices
Learn how to calculate and manage safety stock in MRP systems. Covers formulas for safety stock calculation, service level targeting, demand variability, and lead time uncertainty.
What Is MRP? Material Requirements Planning Explained for Manufacturers
Learn what MRP (Material Requirements Planning) is, how it works, its core logic, key benefits for manufacturers, and how modern MRP systems drive production efficiency in 2026.
Automated vs Manual Production Scheduling: A Comparison
Compare automated and manual production scheduling approaches. Learn when each works best, how to combine them, and what automation means for manufacturing schedulers.
Batch Scheduling vs Discrete Scheduling: When to Use Each
Understand the differences between batch scheduling and discrete scheduling in manufacturing, when each approach applies, and how to handle mixed environments.
15 Best Production Scheduling Software Compared (2026)
Compare the 15 best production scheduling software solutions for manufacturers in 2026. Features, pricing, pros, cons, and recommendations for every shop size.
Capacity Planning vs Production Scheduling: What's the Difference?
Understand the difference between capacity planning and production scheduling in manufacturing, how they complement each other, and why you need both for success.