Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Planning and scheduling practice that applies whichever system you run.
On-Time Delivery Metric (OTD KPI): Formula and Benchmarks
On-time delivery KPI formula: orders shipped by the promise date / total orders x 100. Worked example, OTD vs OTIF, benchmarks and fixes for late orders.
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 Reduction in Manufacturing: Formula, Benchmarks, Fixes
How to reduce scrap in production and assembly: scrap rate formula with a worked example, benchmarks by industry, root cause tools and scheduling fixes.
Throughput Rate in Manufacturing: Formula, Benchmarks, and Optimization
Calculate manufacturing throughput rate accurately, compare against industry benchmarks, and apply proven optimization strategies to increase production output without adding capacity.
WIP Management in Manufacturing: Reduce Work-in-Process, Increase Flow
Master WIP management with formulas for optimal WIP levels, industry benchmarks, and strategies to reduce work-in-process inventory by 25-40% while improving throughput and delivery.
3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Scheduling
Guide to 3D printing and additive manufacturing production scheduling covering build plate optimization, multi-technology scheduling, and post-processing coordination.
Aerospace & Defense Production Scheduling Guide
Master aerospace and defense production scheduling with strategies for ITAR compliance, multi-year program planning, and finite capacity optimization. Expert guide.
Automotive Production Scheduling: Challenges & Solutions
Solve automotive production scheduling challenges including JIT delivery, takt time management, and multi-tier supply chain coordination. Complete guide for auto manufacturers.
Chemical Manufacturing Scheduling: Process vs Discrete
Master chemical manufacturing scheduling with strategies for batch vs continuous processing, reactor scheduling, hazardous material constraints, and regulatory compliance. Expert guide.
CNC Machine Scheduling Optimization Guide
Complete guide to CNC machine scheduling covering spindle utilization, setup reduction, tool management, multi-axis scheduling, and finite capacity optimization strategies.
Consumer Goods Production Scheduling: Meeting Demand
Guide to consumer goods production scheduling covering demand-driven planning, seasonal peaks, promotional surges, and multi-SKU line changeover optimization.