Quick Overview
- 1#1: PlanetTogether - Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes factory production with finite capacity, drag-and-drop Gantt charts, and ERP integrations.
- 2#2: Asprova - High-performance APS software for complex make-to-order manufacturing, featuring automatic scheduling and real-time adjustments.
- 3#3: Siemens Opcenter APS - Comprehensive advanced planning and scheduling solution with constraint-based optimization for discrete and process manufacturing.
- 4#4: DELMIA Ortems - Finite capacity scheduling software that synchronizes production orders across factories with visual Gantt planning and what-if simulations.
- 5#5: Epicor Kinetic - ERP platform with robust manufacturing scheduling modules for job shops and repetitive production environments.
- 6#6: Plex - Cloud-based smart manufacturing platform offering real-time production scheduling and MES integration for factories.
- 7#7: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP software with built-in production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers handling make-to-order and mixed-mode.
- 8#8: Katana MRP - Inventory and production scheduling tool that provides live sales forecasting and capacity planning for growing manufacturers.
- 9#9: Prodsmart - Real-time shop floor management software with scheduling, tracking, and performance analytics for factories.
- 10#10: Fishbowl - Manufacturing inventory management system featuring order fulfillment scheduling and multi-location production planning.
Tools were chosen based on key attributes including optimization capabilities, user-friendliness, system integration flexibility, and value, ensuring they address the unique demands of discrete, process, make-to-order, and repetitive production setups.
Comparison Table
Factory scheduling software is critical for streamlining production workflows, minimizing downtime, and boosting efficiency; this comparison table examines tools like PlanetTogether, Asprova, Siemens Opcenter APS, DELMIA Ortems, Epicor Kinetic, and more to break down their features, strengths, and best-fit scenarios. Readers will uncover key differentiators to identify software that aligns with their unique manufacturing requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlanetTogether Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes factory production with finite capacity, drag-and-drop Gantt charts, and ERP integrations. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Asprova High-performance APS software for complex make-to-order manufacturing, featuring automatic scheduling and real-time adjustments. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Siemens Opcenter APS Comprehensive advanced planning and scheduling solution with constraint-based optimization for discrete and process manufacturing. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | DELMIA Ortems Finite capacity scheduling software that synchronizes production orders across factories with visual Gantt planning and what-if simulations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Epicor Kinetic ERP platform with robust manufacturing scheduling modules for job shops and repetitive production environments. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Plex Cloud-based smart manufacturing platform offering real-time production scheduling and MES integration for factories. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP software with built-in production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers handling make-to-order and mixed-mode. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Katana MRP Inventory and production scheduling tool that provides live sales forecasting and capacity planning for growing manufacturers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Prodsmart Real-time shop floor management software with scheduling, tracking, and performance analytics for factories. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Fishbowl Manufacturing inventory management system featuring order fulfillment scheduling and multi-location production planning. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes factory production with finite capacity, drag-and-drop Gantt charts, and ERP integrations.
High-performance APS software for complex make-to-order manufacturing, featuring automatic scheduling and real-time adjustments.
Comprehensive advanced planning and scheduling solution with constraint-based optimization for discrete and process manufacturing.
Finite capacity scheduling software that synchronizes production orders across factories with visual Gantt planning and what-if simulations.
ERP platform with robust manufacturing scheduling modules for job shops and repetitive production environments.
Cloud-based smart manufacturing platform offering real-time production scheduling and MES integration for factories.
Cloud MRP software with built-in production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers handling make-to-order and mixed-mode.
Inventory and production scheduling tool that provides live sales forecasting and capacity planning for growing manufacturers.
Real-time shop floor management software with scheduling, tracking, and performance analytics for factories.
Manufacturing inventory management system featuring order fulfillment scheduling and multi-location production planning.
PlanetTogether
enterpriseAdvanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes factory production with finite capacity, drag-and-drop Gantt charts, and ERP integrations.
Automatic finite capacity scheduling with constraint-based optimization and ERP synchronization
PlanetTogether is a cloud-based Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing, enabling factories to create optimized production schedules that account for finite capacity, material constraints, labor, and equipment. It delivers visual Gantt charts, real-time rescheduling, and what-if simulations to minimize downtime and improve on-time delivery. Seamlessly integrating with major ERPs like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics, it supports complex multi-site operations and scales from SMBs to enterprises.
Pros
- Superior ERP integrations for seamless data flow
- Powerful optimization algorithms handling complex constraints
- Intuitive visual interface with drag-and-drop scheduling
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter small manufacturers
- Initial implementation requires ERP expertise
- Advanced features have a learning curve
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex, multi-site operations and ERP systems needing precise, real-time factory scheduling.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $1,000/month per user/module, with tiers like QuickStart and Enterprise based on scale and features; quotes required.
Asprova
specializedHigh-performance APS software for complex make-to-order manufacturing, featuring automatic scheduling and real-time adjustments.
Patented high-speed scheduling engine that optimizes over 100,000 operations across multiple resources in under a minute
Asprova is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software tailored for complex manufacturing environments, automatically generating optimized finite-capacity schedules that account for constraints like materials, machines, tools, workers, and setup times. It provides interactive visual Gantt charts for real-time monitoring, simulation, and rapid rescheduling in response to disruptions. Widely used in industries like automotive and electronics, it integrates seamlessly with ERP systems such as SAP and Oracle.
Pros
- Exceptional finite capacity optimization for large-scale production with thousands of operations
- Ultra-fast automatic scheduling engine that generates plans in seconds
- Robust ERP integrations and real-time what-if simulations
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High upfront costs and complex implementation
- Primarily geared toward enterprise users with limited small-business scalability
Best For
Large manufacturers with complex, constraint-heavy production processes like make-to-order or engineer-to-order environments needing precise, real-time scheduling.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing starting at around $50,000+, with modular pricing for additional features and users.
Siemens Opcenter APS
enterpriseComprehensive advanced planning and scheduling solution with constraint-based optimization for discrete and process manufacturing.
Genetic algorithm optimizer that rapidly generates near-optimal schedules for highly constrained, multi-resource factories
Siemens Opcenter APS is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software solution tailored for complex manufacturing environments, optimizing production schedules while accounting for constraints like resource capacity, material availability, and delivery deadlines. It supports both interactive drag-and-drop scheduling and automated optimization algorithms, including genetic and heuristic solvers, to generate feasible and efficient plans. The platform integrates deeply with ERP systems like SAP and MES tools, enabling real-time decision-making across multi-site operations.
Pros
- Powerful optimization algorithms for handling complex constraints and large-scale scheduling
- Seamless integration with Siemens' ecosystem and major ERPs like SAP
- Advanced simulation and what-if scenario capabilities for proactive planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for full utilization
- High implementation costs and complexity for smaller operations
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Large-scale manufacturers with intricate production processes and enterprise ERP integrations needing precise finite capacity scheduling.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment scale (on-premise or cloud).
DELMIA Ortems
enterpriseFinite capacity scheduling software that synchronizes production orders across factories with visual Gantt planning and what-if simulations.
Hybrid solver engine that rapidly generates optimal schedules by blending fast heuristics with exact mathematical optimization for complex constraints.
DELMIA Ortems, part of Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) solution tailored for manufacturing operations. It excels in finite capacity scheduling, optimizing production plans across multiple sites while accounting for complex constraints like resources, materials, skills, and delivery deadlines. The software provides interactive Gantt charts, real-time simulations, and what-if scenario analysis to support agile decision-making in dynamic factory environments.
Pros
- Sophisticated hybrid optimization algorithms (heuristics + mathematical programming) for handling highly complex scheduling scenarios
- Seamless integration with ERP/MES systems and the DELMIA suite for end-to-end manufacturing visibility
- Real-time interactive planning with drag-and-drop Gantt charts and advanced simulation capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires significant training for non-expert users
- High implementation costs and time due to customization needs
- Pricing is premium and less accessible for small to mid-sized operations
Best For
Large manufacturers with intricate, multi-site production processes needing precise finite capacity optimization and deep ERP integration.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription-based pricing via 3DEXPERIENCE platform; typically starts at $50,000+ annually, scaling with users, modules, and deployment size.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseERP platform with robust manufacturing scheduling modules for job shops and repetitive production environments.
Interactive Scheduling Whiteboard with real-time drag-and-drop rescheduling and multi-level pegging
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP platform with integrated factory scheduling tools tailored for manufacturing environments. It provides advanced planning and scheduling (APS) capabilities, including finite/infinite capacity planning, interactive Gantt charts, and real-time shop floor visibility through MES integration. The software optimizes production sequences, resource allocation, and material requirements to enhance operational efficiency and on-time delivery.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full Epicor ERP suite for end-to-end visibility
- Interactive Gantt scheduling with drag-and-drop and what-if scenario planning
- Strong support for discrete manufacturing with finite capacity constraints
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to ERP complexity
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less agile for highly variable or complex job shop scheduling compared to dedicated APS tools
Best For
Mid-sized to large discrete manufacturers needing integrated ERP scheduling within a broader operational platform.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $150-300/user/month for cloud subscriptions, plus significant one-time implementation fees.
Plex
enterpriseCloud-based smart manufacturing platform offering real-time production scheduling and MES integration for factories.
Real-time finite capacity scheduling engine that automatically balances workloads across machines and shifts using live data from connected equipment
Plex is a cloud-based smart manufacturing platform that combines ERP and MES capabilities, providing robust tools for factory scheduling, production monitoring, and supply chain management. It offers real-time visibility into shop floor operations through IoT integrations and machine connectivity, enabling dynamic scheduling adjustments. Designed for discrete and process manufacturers, Plex optimizes resource allocation, reduces downtime, and supports data-driven decision-making across the production lifecycle.
Pros
- Real-time finite capacity scheduling with drag-and-drop interface
- Seamless IoT and machine integration for accurate production data
- Scalable cloud deployment with no hardware maintenance required
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small manufacturers
- Customization options limited compared to on-premise competitors
- Requires reliable internet for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized discrete manufacturers seeking an integrated cloud ERP/MES for advanced factory scheduling and real-time operations control.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at $1,000-$5,000/month based on users, modules, and factory size; free trial available.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP software with built-in production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers handling make-to-order and mixed-mode.
MRP-driven automatic scheduling that dynamically adjusts production plans based on real-time material availability and order changes
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering robust factory scheduling tools including visual Gantt charts and drag-and-drop production planning. It automatically generates schedules based on material availability, order priorities, and capacity constraints, while integrating seamlessly with inventory, purchasing, and CRM modules. This enables end-to-end visibility and efficient shop floor management for discrete manufacturing environments.
Pros
- Intuitive visual scheduling interface with drag-and-drop functionality
- Strong integration of scheduling with MRP, inventory, and sales
- Affordable for SMBs with quick implementation
Cons
- Limited advanced finite capacity optimization compared to dedicated APS tools
- Reporting and customization options could be more flexible
- Scalability challenges for very large or complex multi-site operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized discrete manufacturers seeking an user-friendly, all-in-one MRP system with reliable production scheduling.
Pricing
Starts at $49 per user per month (billed annually), with tiered plans up to $99+ for advanced features; free trial available.
Katana MRP
specializedInventory and production scheduling tool that provides live sales forecasting and capacity planning for growing manufacturers.
Live drag-and-drop production scheduler with automatic capacity and material availability checks
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning software designed for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time inventory tracking, production planning, and visual scheduling. Its drag-and-drop scheduling board allows users to plan jobs based on material availability, capacity, and due dates, providing a clear overview of shop floor operations. The platform integrates with e-commerce, accounting, and CRM tools to streamline order-to-production workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface with real-time updates
- Seamless integration of inventory management with production scheduling
- Strong e-commerce and accounting integrations for end-to-end visibility
Cons
- Lacks advanced optimization algorithms for complex multi-constraint scheduling
- Scalability limitations for very large factories with high-volume operations
- Reporting and analytics are functional but not as customizable as enterprise tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized manufacturers seeking an user-friendly MRP solution for visual production scheduling and inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, up to 100 orders), $299/month (Professional), Enterprise custom; billed annually with discounts.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time shop floor management software with scheduling, tracking, and performance analytics for factories.
Paperless production control via QR codes and mobile app for instant job dispatching and tracking
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, offering real-time production scheduling, tracking, and optimization. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, finite capacity planning, and shop floor execution via mobile apps with QR code scanning for paperless operations. The platform integrates inventory management, quality control, and OEE monitoring to streamline factory workflows and reduce downtime.
Pros
- Real-time visibility into production with mobile scanning
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Seamless integrations with ERPs like SAP and QuickBooks
Cons
- Limited advanced forecasting for complex multi-site operations
- Pricing requires custom quotes, lacking transparency
- Reporting customization could be more robust
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing straightforward, real-time shop floor scheduling and execution without heavy IT investment.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500/month for small teams, scaling with users and modules (e.g., $99/user/month base).
Fishbowl
specializedManufacturing inventory management system featuring order fulfillment scheduling and multi-location production planning.
Drag-and-drop visual scheduler integrated directly with real-time inventory and QuickBooks data
Fishbowl is a comprehensive inventory management platform with integrated manufacturing and production scheduling tools, designed primarily for small to mid-sized businesses. It enables users to create and manage work orders, bills of materials, and routings while offering a visual drag-and-drop scheduler for planning production on a calendar view with resource capacity tracking. Deep integration with QuickBooks ensures seamless data flow between inventory, accounting, and scheduling for streamlined factory operations.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for unified inventory and scheduling
- Visual drag-and-drop production calendar with capacity planning
- Robust multi-location inventory tracking tied to scheduling
Cons
- Lacks advanced optimization algorithms like finite capacity or AI-driven scheduling
- Desktop-heavy interface with a notable learning curve
- Limited scalability for complex, high-volume factories
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers relying on QuickBooks who need basic production scheduling alongside inventory control.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~$4,395 for base edition plus manufacturing add-ons; annual maintenance ~20%; subscription options from $300/user/month.
Conclusion
The reviewed factory scheduling tools offer diverse strengths, with PlanetTogether leading as the top choice, boasting advanced finite capacity planning, intuitive Gantt charts, and ERP integrations. Asprova and Siemens Opcenter APS follow closely, providing tailored solutions for complex make-to-order scenarios and constraint-based optimization, ensuring alternatives exist for specific operational needs. Ultimately, the best fit depends on production type, but PlanetTogether emerges as a versatile leader.
Explore PlanetTogether to unlock streamlined, efficient production planning—its robust features can elevate your factory's scheduling capabilities.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison