Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Scheduling Solutions for Small Job Shops (Under 50 Employees)
Discover the best scheduling solutions for small job shops with under 50 employees — affordable tools, fast implementation, and practical advice for small manufacturers.
What Is Job Shop Scheduling? Definition, Examples & Best Practices
Learn what job shop scheduling is, how it works in high-mix low-volume manufacturing, and why it matters for on-time delivery, lead times, and shop floor efficiency.
What is ABC Analysis? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Learn what ABC analysis is in inventory management, how the Pareto principle classifies inventory, and why it matters for scheduling.
What is Acceptance Sampling? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Learn what acceptance sampling is, how it works in manufacturing, and why it matters for production scheduling and quality control decisions.
What is Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS)? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) definition: software that uses algorithms to optimize production schedules against real constraints. Learn how APS works in manufacturing with examples.
What is Assemble-to-Order (ATO)? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Assemble-to-Order definition: a manufacturing strategy where subassemblies are stocked and final assembly begins when a customer order is received. Learn more.
What is an Assembly Line? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Assembly line definition: a production arrangement where work moves sequentially through stations, each performing a specific task. Learn how assembly lines work.
What is Attribute Data? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Learn what attribute data is in manufacturing quality control, how it differs from variable data, and why it matters for SPC and scheduling.
What is Backward Scheduling? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Backward scheduling definition: a planning method that starts from the due date and works backward to determine start times. Learn how backward scheduling works in manufacturing with examples.
What is a Bottleneck? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Bottleneck definition: a resource or process step that limits the overall throughput of a production system. Learn how bottlenecks work in manufacturing with examples.
What is the Bullwhip Effect? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Bullwhip effect definition: the amplification of demand variability as orders move upstream through the supply chain. Learn how the bullwhip effect impacts manufacturing.
What is a C-Chart? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Learn what a c-chart is in manufacturing quality control, how it tracks defect counts per unit, and why it matters for SPC and scheduling.