Quick Overview
- 1#1: PlanetTogether - Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes production schedules with finite capacity and multi-resource constraints.
- 2#2: Asprova - High-performance APS system for detailed sequencing, resource leveling, and bottleneck resolution in complex manufacturing.
- 3#3: Siemens Opcenter APS - Enterprise-grade advanced scheduling with simulation and what-if analysis for production optimization.
- 4#4: SAP S/4HANA PP/DS - Embedded production planning and detailed scheduling engine integrated into SAP's ERP platform.
- 5#5: Oracle SCM Cloud - Cloud supply chain solution featuring constraint-based production scheduling and planning.
- 6#6: Infor Production Scheduler - Finite capacity scheduling tool that integrates seamlessly with Infor ERP systems for manufacturing.
- 7#7: DELMIA Ortems - APS software specialized for engineer-to-order and make-to-order production planning and scheduling.
- 8#8: MRPeasy - Cloud-based MRP with automated production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers.
- 9#9: Katana MRP - Visual manufacturing ERP with real-time production planning and scheduling for makers.
- 10#10: Prodsmart - Real-time production monitoring and scheduling platform for shop floor management.
We ranked these tools based on core capabilities (including finite capacity planning, real-time integration, and constraint handling), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring a balance of performance and practicality for manufacturers of all scales.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading production schedule software tools, such as PlanetTogether, Asprova, Siemens Opcenter APS, SAP S/4HANA PP/DS, Oracle SCM Cloud, and others, to help users navigate their options. It outlines key features, integration capabilities, and operational suitability, enabling readers to assess which tool best fits their production planning and scheduling needs. By comparing critical attributes of top solutions, the table simplifies the process of identifying software that enhances efficiency and aligns with organizational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlanetTogether Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes production schedules with finite capacity and multi-resource constraints. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Asprova High-performance APS system for detailed sequencing, resource leveling, and bottleneck resolution in complex manufacturing. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Siemens Opcenter APS Enterprise-grade advanced scheduling with simulation and what-if analysis for production optimization. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | SAP S/4HANA PP/DS Embedded production planning and detailed scheduling engine integrated into SAP's ERP platform. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Oracle SCM Cloud Cloud supply chain solution featuring constraint-based production scheduling and planning. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Infor Production Scheduler Finite capacity scheduling tool that integrates seamlessly with Infor ERP systems for manufacturing. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | DELMIA Ortems APS software specialized for engineer-to-order and make-to-order production planning and scheduling. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | MRPeasy Cloud-based MRP with automated production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Katana MRP Visual manufacturing ERP with real-time production planning and scheduling for makers. | other | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Prodsmart Real-time production monitoring and scheduling platform for shop floor management. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
Advanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes production schedules with finite capacity and multi-resource constraints.
High-performance APS system for detailed sequencing, resource leveling, and bottleneck resolution in complex manufacturing.
Enterprise-grade advanced scheduling with simulation and what-if analysis for production optimization.
Embedded production planning and detailed scheduling engine integrated into SAP's ERP platform.
Cloud supply chain solution featuring constraint-based production scheduling and planning.
Finite capacity scheduling tool that integrates seamlessly with Infor ERP systems for manufacturing.
APS software specialized for engineer-to-order and make-to-order production planning and scheduling.
Cloud-based MRP with automated production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers.
Visual manufacturing ERP with real-time production planning and scheduling for makers.
Real-time production monitoring and scheduling platform for shop floor management.
PlanetTogether
specializedAdvanced planning and scheduling software that optimizes production schedules with finite capacity and multi-resource constraints.
Patented interactive scheduling engine enabling one-click optimizations and drag-and-drop adjustments with instant constraint resolution
PlanetTogether is a cloud-based Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing industries, optimizing production schedules by factoring in constraints like capacity, materials, labor, and due dates. It provides visual, interactive scheduling tools with drag-and-drop functionality and what-if scenario planning for rapid decision-making. The platform excels in multi-plant operations and offers deep integrations with over 30 ERP systems including SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics.
Pros
- Unmatched ERP integrations for seamless data synchronization
- Powerful finite capacity optimization algorithms reducing scheduling time by up to 90%
- Intuitive visual Gantt charts with real-time collaboration
Cons
- High initial setup costs and integration complexity
- Steep learning curve for advanced optimization features
- Pricing scales steeply for smaller operations
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers with complex, multi-site production needing precise finite scheduling and ERP synergy.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at around $1,000/user/month, with modules for additional features; annual contracts common.
Asprova
specializedHigh-performance APS system for detailed sequencing, resource leveling, and bottleneck resolution in complex manufacturing.
Hierarchical finite capacity scheduling engine that computes optimal plans across plant, line, and machine levels in real-time
Asprova is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software tailored for manufacturing, specializing in finite capacity scheduling for complex production environments. It automatically generates and optimizes detailed schedules by considering constraints like resource capacities, setup times, material availability, and labor skills, with support for hierarchical planning from plant to machine level. The software offers interactive visual Gantt charts, real-time rescheduling, and seamless ERP integrations for efficient production management.
Pros
- Ultra-fast patented scheduling engine handles thousands of operations in seconds
- Comprehensive constraint modeling for multi-resource, multi-level production planning
- Powerful visual interface with drag-and-drop Gantt charts and simulation capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve requires significant training and expertise
- High customized pricing not suitable for small businesses
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern cloud-native tools
Best For
Mid-to-large manufacturers in make-to-order or engineer-to-order scenarios needing precise finite capacity scheduling.
Pricing
Quote-based and customized; typically starts at $25,000+ annually depending on resources, modules, and deployment scale.
Siemens Opcenter APS
enterpriseEnterprise-grade advanced scheduling with simulation and what-if analysis for production optimization.
Hybrid infinite-to-finite capacity planning engine with genetic algorithms for rapid, optimal multi-resource scheduling
Siemens Opcenter APS is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) solution designed for complex manufacturing environments, optimizing production schedules by considering constraints like materials, resources, labor, and equipment. It provides finite capacity planning, real-time dispatching, and what-if simulations to minimize bottlenecks and maximize throughput. Integrated with Siemens' Digital Industries suite and major ERPs like SAP, it supports multi-site operations and delivers interactive Gantt charts for visual decision-making.
Pros
- Powerful constraint-based optimization for finite capacity scheduling
- Seamless integration with ERP/MES systems and Siemens ecosystem
- Advanced simulation and what-if analysis for scenario planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
- High implementation costs and complexity
- Less intuitive interface compared to simpler cloud-native tools
Best For
Large-scale manufacturers in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics with complex, multi-site production needing precise constraint-driven scheduling.
Pricing
Enterprise custom pricing; typically starts at $100,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, plus implementation fees.
SAP S/4HANA PP/DS
enterpriseEmbedded production planning and detailed scheduling engine integrated into SAP's ERP platform.
Embedded PP/DS Optimizer using mixed-integer programming for real-time, finite-capacity scheduling optimization
SAP S/4HANA PP/DS is an advanced module within the SAP S/4HANA suite designed for production planning and detailed scheduling. It leverages constraint-based optimization algorithms, including heuristics and mathematical solvers, to create feasible production schedules that account for capacities, materials, sequences, and multi-level dependencies. Ideal for complex manufacturing environments, it supports both interactive and automatic scheduling to minimize delays and optimize resource utilization.
Pros
- Powerful constraint-based optimization with advanced heuristics and MIP solver
- Seamless integration with SAP S/4HANA for end-to-end supply chain visibility
- Handles complex scenarios like multi-resource, sequence-dependent setups, and pegging
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex configuration requiring SAP expertise
- High implementation costs and dependency on broader SAP ecosystem
- Limited flexibility for non-SAP environments without significant customization
Best For
Large manufacturing enterprises already invested in SAP S/4HANA seeking sophisticated, constraint-driven production scheduling.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model, typically $100K+ annually based on users, cores, and modules; requires custom quotes.
Oracle SCM Cloud
enterpriseCloud supply chain solution featuring constraint-based production scheduling and planning.
AI-powered constraint-based scheduling engine that dynamically optimizes across global supply chains in real-time
Oracle SCM Cloud is a comprehensive cloud-based supply chain management suite that includes advanced production scheduling capabilities within its Manufacturing and Supply Chain Planning modules. It enables optimized production planning by incorporating constraints such as resource capacity, material availability, labor skills, and demand variability. The platform uses AI and machine learning for real-time scheduling adjustments, scenario simulations, and predictive analytics to minimize delays and maximize throughput.
Pros
- Constraint-based finite scheduling handles complex multi-plant operations effectively
- Deep integration with Oracle ERP and other SCM modules for end-to-end visibility
- AI/ML-driven predictive scheduling and what-if simulations for proactive decision-making
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup requiring expert implementation
- High costs for licensing, customization, and ongoing support
- Less intuitive interface compared to specialized, lighter-weight scheduling tools
Best For
Large enterprises with intricate, multi-site manufacturing needs requiring robust integration with existing Oracle ecosystems.
Pricing
Subscription-based; custom pricing typically starts at $10,000+ monthly for mid-tier deployments, scaling with users, modules, and usage.
Infor Production Scheduler
enterpriseFinite capacity scheduling tool that integrates seamlessly with Infor ERP systems for manufacturing.
Constraint-driven optimizer that automatically generates feasible schedules minimizing setups and delays across multi-site operations
Infor Production Scheduler is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) solution tailored for complex manufacturing environments, enabling finite capacity scheduling, resource optimization, and sequence-dependent setup management. It integrates seamlessly with Infor's ERP systems like LN and M3, providing interactive Gantt charts, what-if simulations, and real-time adjustments to production plans. The tool helps manufacturers improve on-time delivery, reduce inventory, and minimize downtime by balancing material, labor, and equipment constraints.
Pros
- Robust finite capacity scheduling with constraint-based optimization
- Deep integration with Infor ERP for real-time data synchronization
- Advanced what-if scenario planning and interactive Gantt visualization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex configuration for non-Infor users
- High implementation costs and dependency on Infor ecosystem
- Limited standalone flexibility without full ERP suite
Best For
Large-scale manufacturers in discrete or process industries already invested in Infor ERP seeking enterprise-grade production optimization.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, scaling with users, modules, and cloud/on-premise options.
DELMIA Ortems
specializedAPS software specialized for engineer-to-order and make-to-order production planning and scheduling.
AI-driven finite capacity scheduler that dynamically resolves conflicts and optimizes schedules in real-time across global operations
DELMIA Ortems, part of Dassault Systèmes' DELMIA suite, is an advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software designed for optimizing production schedules in complex manufacturing environments. It leverages sophisticated optimization algorithms to manage resources, constraints, multi-site operations, and real-time adjustments. The tool integrates deeply with ERP, MES, and PLM systems, enabling data-driven decisions and improved operational efficiency.
Pros
- Powerful constraint-based optimization for complex scenarios
- Seamless integration with enterprise systems like ERP and MES
- Scalable for multi-site and high-volume manufacturing
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High implementation and licensing costs
- Limited flexibility for small-scale or simple operations
Best For
Large enterprises in industries like automotive, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals needing advanced, real-time production scheduling across multiple sites.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and implementation scope.
MRPeasy
otherCloud-based MRP with automated production scheduling for small to medium manufacturers.
Intelligent scheduler that automatically generates and optimizes production plans based on materials, capacity, and deadlines
MRPeasy is a cloud-based MRP/ERP software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing comprehensive production scheduling, inventory management, and shop floor control. It features drag-and-drop Gantt charts for visual scheduling, automatic capacity planning, and real-time production tracking to optimize workflows. The platform integrates procurement, CRM, and reporting, making it a one-stop solution for streamlining manufacturing operations.
Pros
- Powerful drag-and-drop Gantt scheduling with automatic rescheduling
- Real-time shop floor data capture via mobile app
- Integrated MRP for material requirements and capacity planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing scales quickly with users and modules
- Limited customization compared to enterprise ERPs
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers seeking an all-in-one MRP system with strong production scheduling for make-to-order or make-to-stock operations.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Basic plan; scales to $99+/user/month for Extended plan with full features.
Katana MRP
otherVisual manufacturing ERP with real-time production planning and scheduling for makers.
Live MRP automation that dynamically creates production schedules and purchase orders from incoming sales data
Katana MRP is a cloud-based manufacturing resource planning (MRP) software tailored for small to medium-sized manufacturers, focusing on production scheduling, inventory management, and order fulfillment. It offers real-time visibility into production plans, stock levels, and supply needs through an intuitive dashboard and visual scheduler. The platform automates work orders, capacity planning, and purchasing based on sales data, with seamless integrations to e-commerce and accounting tools.
Pros
- Visual drag-and-drop production scheduler for easy planning
- Real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations
- Automated MRP engine generates production and purchase orders from sales
Cons
- Lacks advanced finite capacity optimization for complex scenarios
- Reporting and analytics are basic without customizations
- Full features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to medium manufacturers needing straightforward production scheduling and inventory control integrated with sales channels.
Pricing
Essentials at $99/month (500 orders/mo), Professional at $299/month (unlimited), Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial.
Prodsmart
specializedReal-time production monitoring and scheduling platform for shop floor management.
Real-time production tracking via mobile scanning for instant schedule adjustments and bottleneck alerts
Prodsmart is a cloud-based Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for small to medium manufacturers, offering real-time production scheduling, shop floor tracking, and performance analytics. It enables drag-and-drop scheduling, OEE monitoring, inventory management, and quality control through mobile apps that replace paper-based processes. The platform provides end-to-end visibility to optimize workflows and reduce downtime.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for shop floor workers with barcode scanning
- Real-time dashboards for scheduling and OEE tracking
- Seamless integration with ERP systems like SAP and QuickBooks
Cons
- Limited advanced finite capacity scheduling compared to dedicated APS tools
- Pricing is quote-based and can be steep for very small operations
- Customization options require professional services
Best For
Small to mid-sized manufacturers needing real-time shop floor visibility and basic production scheduling without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $250/month for basic plans, scaling with users and features; free trial available.
Conclusion
Across the reviewed tools, the top 3 lead with distinct advantages: PlanetTogether sets the standard with advanced finite capacity optimization, Asprova shines in complex manufacturing sequencing, and Siemens Opcenter APS delivers powerful simulation and enterprise integration. While each offers unique value, PlanetTogether is the clear top choice for comprehensive production scheduling. Asprova and Siemens Opcenter APS remain excellent alternatives for specific needs, such as complex manufacturing or detailed simulation.
Don’t miss out on optimized production—start with PlanetTogether to fine-tune schedules, resolve bottlenecks, and enhance operational efficiency, and experience how it transforms your production management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
