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.
What is a Work Center? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Work center definition: a specific production area where manufacturing operations are performed. Learn how work centers work in manufacturing with examples.
What is a Work Instruction? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Work instruction definition: a detailed, step-by-step document that tells an operator exactly how to perform a specific manufacturing task. Learn more.
What is Workload Balancing? Definition & Manufacturing Examples
Workload balancing definition: distributing work evenly across parallel resources to optimize utilization. Learn how workload balancing works in manufacturing with examples.
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
A short, precise definition of a Bill of Materials (BOM): what a BOM line holds, how MRP explodes it, and why BOM accuracy decides whether a schedule is executable.
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.