Quick Overview
- 1#1: PlanetTogether - Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes manufacturing production across constraints like capacity, materials, and sequencing using visual Gantt charts.
- 2#2: Asprova - High-speed APS software for detailed production scheduling in make-to-order and repetitive manufacturing environments.
- 3#3: Siemens Opcenter APS - Enterprise-grade advanced planning and scheduling solution for complex, multi-site manufacturing operations with real-time optimization.
- 4#4: Ortems - Cloud-based finite capacity scheduling software that handles engineer-to-order, make-to-stock, and mixed-mode production scenarios.
- 5#5: MRPeasy - Cloud MRP system with intuitive production scheduling, inventory tracking, and shop floor control for small to medium manufacturers.
- 6#6: Katana MRP - Real-time manufacturing resource planning software that automates production scheduling, inventory, and order fulfillment.
- 7#7: Prodio - Shop floor scheduling and execution software that provides live production insights and optimizes job sequencing.
- 8#8: Epicor Kinetic - Comprehensive ERP platform with advanced production scheduling, MES integration, and capacity planning for discrete manufacturers.
- 9#9: Plex - Smart manufacturing cloud platform offering MES-driven production scheduling, quality control, and traceability.
- 10#10: Fishbowl - Inventory management software with manufacturing scheduling, order fulfillment, and multi-location support.
We ranked these tools based on technical prowess (including features like visual scheduling and real-time optimization), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to the varied demands of modern manufacturing environments.
Comparison Table
Manufacturing production scheduling software is vital for streamlining operations, with the right tools directly influencing productivity and output. This comparison table surveys options including PlanetTogether, Asprova, Siemens Opcenter APS, Ortems, MRPeasy, and more, highlighting key features, strengths, and best-use scenarios. Readers will learn to identify software that matches their unique needs, from integration capabilities to scalability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlanetTogether Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes manufacturing production across constraints like capacity, materials, and sequencing using visual Gantt charts. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Asprova High-speed APS software for detailed production scheduling in make-to-order and repetitive manufacturing environments. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Siemens Opcenter APS Enterprise-grade advanced planning and scheduling solution for complex, multi-site manufacturing operations with real-time optimization. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Ortems Cloud-based finite capacity scheduling software that handles engineer-to-order, make-to-stock, and mixed-mode production scenarios. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | MRPeasy Cloud MRP system with intuitive production scheduling, inventory tracking, and shop floor control for small to medium manufacturers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Katana MRP Real-time manufacturing resource planning software that automates production scheduling, inventory, and order fulfillment. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Prodio Shop floor scheduling and execution software that provides live production insights and optimizes job sequencing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | Epicor Kinetic Comprehensive ERP platform with advanced production scheduling, MES integration, and capacity planning for discrete manufacturers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Plex Smart manufacturing cloud platform offering MES-driven production scheduling, quality control, and traceability. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Fishbowl Inventory management software with manufacturing scheduling, order fulfillment, and multi-location support. | specialized | 6.7/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes manufacturing production across constraints like capacity, materials, and sequencing using visual Gantt charts.
High-speed APS software for detailed production scheduling in make-to-order and repetitive manufacturing environments.
Enterprise-grade advanced planning and scheduling solution for complex, multi-site manufacturing operations with real-time optimization.
Cloud-based finite capacity scheduling software that handles engineer-to-order, make-to-stock, and mixed-mode production scenarios.
Cloud MRP system with intuitive production scheduling, inventory tracking, and shop floor control for small to medium manufacturers.
Real-time manufacturing resource planning software that automates production scheduling, inventory, and order fulfillment.
Shop floor scheduling and execution software that provides live production insights and optimizes job sequencing.
Comprehensive ERP platform with advanced production scheduling, MES integration, and capacity planning for discrete manufacturers.
Smart manufacturing cloud platform offering MES-driven production scheduling, quality control, and traceability.
Inventory management software with manufacturing scheduling, order fulfillment, and multi-location support.
PlanetTogether
specializedAdvanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes manufacturing production across constraints like capacity, materials, and sequencing using visual Gantt charts.
Interactive visual scheduling with real-time drag-and-drop rescheduling and automatic constraint resolution
PlanetTogether is a cloud-based Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing, enabling finite capacity scheduling that accounts for materials, labor, equipment, and other constraints. It integrates seamlessly with leading ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and Epicor, providing real-time visibility and optimization of production plans. Users leverage interactive Gantt charts, what-if scenario planning, and drag-and-drop rescheduling to minimize downtime, reduce inventory, and improve on-time delivery.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with major ERPs for automated data flow
- Advanced optimization algorithms for complex multi-constraint scheduling
- Intuitive visual Gantt charts with drag-and-drop functionality
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter very small manufacturers
- Steep initial learning curve for advanced features
- Full capabilities often require ERP integration setup
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex production environments and existing ERP systems needing precise finite scheduling and optimization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $1,000–$5,000/month depending on users, modules, and company size; annual contracts common.
Asprova
specializedHigh-speed APS software for detailed production scheduling in make-to-order and repetitive manufacturing environments.
Lightning-fast automatic detailed scheduling that generates optimized, feasible plans in under 10 seconds even for thousands of operations
Asprova is a leading Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing, specializing in finite capacity scheduling to optimize production plans across complex environments. It automatically generates detailed schedules considering constraints like machine availability, worker skills, material stock, and setup times, using interactive visual Gantt charts for manual adjustments. The software supports multi-site operations, ERP integrations (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and real-time rescheduling, making it ideal for make-to-order and repetitive manufacturing.
Pros
- Ultra-fast automatic finite scheduling engine that optimizes plans in seconds
- Comprehensive constraint modeling for resources, materials, and sequences
- Interactive Gantt charts with drag-and-drop for intuitive adjustments
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring expert configuration
- Primarily on-premise deployment with limited cloud options
- High upfront costs and opaque quote-based pricing
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex, constraint-heavy production processes needing precise finite capacity scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ for base licenses, scaling with modules, users, and sites.
Siemens Opcenter APS
enterpriseEnterprise-grade advanced planning and scheduling solution for complex, multi-site manufacturing operations with real-time optimization.
Multi-dimensional constraint modeling with genetic algorithm optimization for resolving conflicts in real-time across global production networks
Siemens Opcenter APS is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) solution tailored for manufacturing operations, enabling finite capacity scheduling across multiple sites. It optimizes production plans by modeling complex constraints like machine availability, labor skills, material stock, and sequence dependencies. The software integrates deeply with MES and ERP systems, providing real-time dispatching and what-if scenario analysis for improved throughput and on-time delivery.
Pros
- Sophisticated constraint-based optimization using heuristics and genetic algorithms for highly accurate scheduling
- Strong integration with Siemens Opcenter MES and major ERPs like SAP for seamless data flow
- Advanced simulation and what-if capabilities for scenario planning and bottleneck identification
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring expert configuration
- High licensing and implementation costs, less accessible for small to mid-sized manufacturers
- User interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native APS tools
Best For
Large-scale manufacturers with complex, multi-site discrete or process production needing enterprise-grade constraint optimization.
Pricing
Enterprise quote-based pricing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for base licenses, plus implementation fees scaling with users/sites.
Ortems
specializedCloud-based finite capacity scheduling software that handles engineer-to-order, make-to-stock, and mixed-mode production scenarios.
Proprietary optimization engine that generates conflict-free schedules in minutes for intricate multi-resource scenarios
Ortems is an Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing, enabling finite capacity scheduling that accounts for complex constraints like materials, resources, tools, and workforce. It provides visual Gantt charts for interactive planning, what-if simulations for scenario testing, and real-time rescheduling to adapt to disruptions. The platform integrates seamlessly with ERPs such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, and Infor, optimizing production across single or multi-site operations.
Pros
- Advanced constraint-based optimization algorithms for rapid, feasible schedules
- Interactive visual Gantt charts with drag-and-drop capabilities
- Robust ERP integrations and multi-site support
Cons
- Steep learning curve for complex configurations
- Custom quote pricing can be expensive for smaller firms
- Initial implementation requires significant setup time
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex, constraint-heavy production environments needing automated, optimized scheduling.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $25,000-$50,000 annually for small to mid-sized deployments, scaling up based on users, sites, and modules.
MRPeasy
specializedCloud MRP system with intuitive production scheduling, inventory tracking, and shop floor control for small to medium manufacturers.
Interactive drag-and-drop Gantt scheduler with automatic rescheduling based on priorities and constraints
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP system tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, emphasizing production scheduling, inventory management, and shop floor control. It features a visual drag-and-drop Gantt chart for intuitive scheduling, automatic MRP calculations for material needs, and real-time capacity planning. The software integrates CRM, procurement, and reporting to provide end-to-end visibility into manufacturing operations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop Gantt chart for flexible production scheduling
- Accurate MRP with multi-level BOM support and instant recalculations
- Real-time shop floor data collection via mobile app for live updates
Cons
- Finite capacity planning lacks advanced optimization algorithms found in enterprise tools
- Reporting and analytics are solid but not as customizable for complex needs
- Higher tiers required for full features like subcontracting and quality control
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers with make-to-order or small-batch production seeking an easy-to-use scheduling solution without heavy IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month for Basic plan; Standard ($99/user/month) and Enterprise (custom) unlock advanced scheduling and integrations.
Katana MRP
specializedReal-time manufacturing resource planning software that automates production scheduling, inventory, and order fulfillment.
Visual drag-and-drop manufacturing board that provides instant production scheduling adjustments and capacity insights
Katana MRP is a cloud-based inventory and production management platform designed for manufacturers, offering real-time visibility into stock levels, production scheduling, and order fulfillment. It features a visual drag-and-drop planning board for efficient scheduling of manufacturing orders, capacity checks, and material requirements planning to minimize stockouts and overproduction. The software integrates seamlessly with e-commerce, accounting tools like QuickBooks, and supports multi-location inventory for growing SMBs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling board for quick production planning
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple warehouses
- Strong integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero
Cons
- Limited advanced finite capacity scheduling for complex operations
- Reporting and analytics are functional but not highly customizable
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and locations
Best For
Small to medium-sized make-to-order or make-to-stock manufacturers seeking an easy-to-use, visual tool for production scheduling and inventory control without heavy ERP complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (Essentials, 1 user) up to $799/month (Business, 20 users); custom enterprise plans available; 14-day free trial.
Prodio
specializedShop floor scheduling and execution software that provides live production insights and optimizes job sequencing.
Real-time automatic scheduling updates from machine IoT data and operator inputs via mobile app
Prodio is a cloud-based manufacturing production scheduling software tailored for small to medium-sized job shops and make-to-order manufacturers. It offers visual drag-and-drop Gantt charts, real-time shop floor data capture, and capacity planning to replace spreadsheets and whiteboards. The platform integrates with ERPs like QuickBooks and Xero, provides mobile access for operators, and includes alerts for bottlenecks to improve on-time delivery and efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling interface
- Real-time shop floor visibility and machine integration
- Strong value with affordable SMB pricing and quick setup
Cons
- Limited advanced optimization algorithms for complex scenarios
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to enterprise tools
- Scalability challenges for very large or multi-site operations
Best For
Small to medium-sized make-to-order manufacturers seeking an easy-to-use, cost-effective scheduling solution to digitize their shop floor.
Pricing
Starts at $349/month for up to 10 resources (billed annually), with Pro at $749/month and Enterprise custom pricing based on scale.
Epicor Kinetic
enterpriseComprehensive ERP platform with advanced production scheduling, MES integration, and capacity planning for discrete manufacturers.
Constraint-based Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) with AI-driven optimization for finite capacity planning
Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-based ERP platform tailored for manufacturing industries, providing advanced production scheduling through its integrated Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) module. It supports finite and infinite capacity planning, visual Gantt charts, and real-time adjustments for constraints like materials, labor, and machine availability. The system integrates with MES for shop floor execution, enabling optimized production plans and improved on-time delivery performance.
Pros
- Robust APS for constraint-based scheduling and optimization
- Deep integration with full ERP suite including MES and inventory management
- Scalable cloud deployment with real-time shop floor visibility
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant customization and training
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High cost for smaller manufacturers
Best For
Mid-sized to large manufacturers seeking an integrated ERP with advanced scheduling for complex production environments.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $150-$300 per user/month for cloud subscriptions, with implementation costs often exceeding $100K.
Plex
enterpriseSmart manufacturing cloud platform offering MES-driven production scheduling, quality control, and traceability.
Embedded Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) with AI optimizations and real-time shop floor synchronization
Plex is a cloud-native smart manufacturing platform that integrates ERP, MES, and production scheduling to provide real-time visibility and control over manufacturing operations. It offers advanced finite capacity scheduling, drag-and-drop rescheduling, and AI-driven optimizations to minimize downtime and maximize throughput. Designed for discrete and process manufacturers, Plex replaces traditional siloed systems with a unified, scalable solution directly connected to the shop floor.
Pros
- Real-time scheduling with finite capacity planning and automatic adjustments
- Seamless integration of MES, ERP, and IoT data for end-to-end visibility
- Infinite scalability as a SaaS platform with no hardware requirements
Cons
- High implementation costs and time for full deployment
- Steep learning curve for complex configurations
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be premium for smaller operations
Best For
Mid-sized to large discrete manufacturers needing an integrated, real-time production scheduling solution within a full ERP/MES ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically starting at $150-300 per user/month or based on factory footprint, with no public tiers.
Fishbowl
specializedInventory management software with manufacturing scheduling, order fulfillment, and multi-location support.
Deep, bidirectional QuickBooks synchronization for real-time production scheduling and inventory accuracy
Fishbowl Inventory is a QuickBooks-integrated warehouse and inventory management solution that includes a manufacturing module for handling production processes. It enables basic production scheduling through work orders, bills of materials (BOMs), material requirements planning (MRP), and labor tracking, allowing users to plan and execute manufacturing runs efficiently. While effective for simple scheduling needs, it lacks advanced tools like Gantt charts, finite capacity planning, or optimization algorithms typical of dedicated APS software.
Pros
- Seamless real-time integration with QuickBooks
- User-friendly work order and BOM management
- Strong inventory tracking tied to production scheduling
Cons
- Lacks advanced visualization like Gantt charts
- Basic capacity and resource optimization
- Heavy reliance on QuickBooks limits standalone use
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers using QuickBooks who need straightforward production scheduling integrated with inventory management.
Pricing
One-time licenses start at $4,395 (Warehouse) + $1,500 (Manufacturing module); annual support ~20% of license cost; subscription options available.
Conclusion
The top tools reviewed highlight the diversity of options in manufacturing production scheduling, with each solving key pain points like capacity and material constraints. PlanetTogether leads as the best choice, offering robust constraint optimization through visual Gantt charts. Asprova and Siemens Opcenter APS follow closely, excelling in high-speed detailed planning and complex multi-site operations respectively, making them strong alternatives for specific needs.
Take the step to elevate your scheduling—start with PlanetTogether to unlock efficient, constraint-smart production planning and drive operational success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison