Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
What is an X-bar Chart? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Learn what an X-bar chart is in manufacturing SPC, how it monitors process averages, and why it matters for quality control and scheduling.
Manufacturing Scheduling Software RFP Template (2026)
Free RFP template for manufacturing scheduling software. Includes evaluation criteria, vendor questions, scoring matrix, and section-by-section writing guide.
5S: The Foundation of Lean Workplace Organization
Learn what 5S is in lean manufacturing — Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain — and how it reduces waste and improves scheduling efficiency.
Andon: Real-Time Visual Alerts for the Shop Floor
Learn what Andon means in lean manufacturing — a visual signaling system that alerts teams to problems instantly, reducing downtime and improving quality.
Available-to-Promise (ATP) — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what Available-to-Promise (ATP) is, how ATP calculations work, a step-by-step example with numbers, and why ATP helps manufacturers commit accurate delivery dates.
Batch Production: Benefits, Drawbacks, and When It Makes Sense
Learn what batch production means in manufacturing — producing goods in groups or lots, and how it compares to flow production and one-piece flow approaches.
Bill of Materials (BOM) — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what a Bill of Materials (BOM) is, how BOMs work in MRP systems, real examples with numbers, and why accurate BOMs are critical for production scheduling.
Capable-to-Promise (CTP) — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what Capable-to-Promise (CTP) is, how CTP goes beyond ATP by checking capacity and materials, a practical example, and why CTP improves delivery date accuracy.
Cellular Manufacturing: Organizing Machines for Flow
Learn what cellular manufacturing means — a lean production layout that groups machines into cells to process product families with minimal waste and shorter lead times.
Closed-Loop MRP — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what Closed-Loop MRP is, how it adds feedback to material planning, a practical example, and why closed-loop systems improve scheduling accuracy.
Continuous Improvement: The Engine of Lean Manufacturing
Learn what continuous improvement means in manufacturing — an ongoing effort to improve products, processes, and services through incremental and breakthrough changes.
Capacity Requirements Planning (CRP) — Manufacturing Glossary
Learn what Capacity Requirements Planning (CRP) is, how CRP validates MRP output against real capacity, a worked example, and why CRP prevents overloaded schedules.