Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.

Manufacturing Quality Metrics: Build Your Dashboard
Build a manufacturing quality metrics dashboard with the right KPIs. Covers first pass yield, DPMO, COPQ, and SPC metrics with formulas and target ranges.

How to Reduce Lead Times in Your Job Shop: 7 Proven Strategies
Learn 7 proven strategies to reduce manufacturing lead times in your job shop — from finite capacity scheduling to setup reduction, WIP control, and capacity planning.

5-Day Scheduling Software Implementation: Our Proven Process
Implement production scheduling software in just 5 days. Our step-by-step process covers data prep, configuration, training, and go-live for fast results.

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.
