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| The Preactor Supply Chain Server (SCS) is essentially a separate Preactor installation that operates in conjunction with other Preactor systems, viewers and other packages such as ERP/MRP systems. It operates continuously and responds only to electronic enquiries from other systems, sending back messages and maintaining information the content of which will vary according to the configuration in which it has been set up. It is a background process in that it has no graphical displays such as Gantt charts or sequence overview, has no scheduling buttons or reports. It can run on the same computer as another Preactor system or it can run on a separate computer over a network. Communication may be through shared directories on a PC network or E-mail. |
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This schematic shows how SCS, P500 APS Master Scheduling System, PBX and ERP system can pass data between them using batch files or event driven messaging. It allows remote ATP/CTP enquiries to be made on a live production schedule that the SCS holds. The Planner has access to the schedule through the normal interface of a Preactor 500 APS Master Scheduling System, can re-sequence, carry out 'what ifs', generate reports, and accept new orders from an ERP/MRP system. Preactor viewers can be used for shop updates to be sent to the SCS or to display Gantt charts and reports. A Preactor viewer, a device running say MS Outlook, a WAP phone, or an ERP system can also make ad-hoc enquiries in order to offer an expected delivery date for an order based on the current live schedule. |
Multi-Plant Planning and Production Scheduling |
Linking Preactor 600 APS systems together can expand this electronic enquiry system further to cover many plants or by linking companies in a supply chain. For example you may have a system where you wish to optimize the location of manufacture of an order based on various business rules (e.g. cost) including when an order can be shipped from each of several 'competing' plants. In the scenario a number of CTP enquiries would be sent and, based on this real-time replies, make a more informed decision on where to use capacity. |
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