Thin Client Scheduling Systems and ROI

Optimally scheduling production is often complicated in a manufacturing environment. Most scheduling solutions involve software designed for specific industries. This approach seems logical, but it often fails to deliver a successful scheduling solution since each facility needs software structured for their environment. An advanced planning system modified for company-specific issues is the answer.

One popular technology in production scheduling software is thin client. Thin client software describes the relationship between the client (the end users’ computer) and the server which is where the data is processed and the software is stored. The server transmitts data and sends feedback to/from the client computer. On the other end of the spectrum is thick client. Thick client software’s functions are primarily processed on each remote computer, then the compiled data is transferred to the server to be stored. Because of it’s design, the remote computers that run thick client interfaces must all be robust, this eliminates the ability to use thin client terminals and many hand held devices. Thin client software that is written in ASP and/or ASP.NET runs in web broswers (referred to as browser-based software), because all significant processing occurs on the server. Browser-based systems can be installed on internal servers or external servers.

ROI benefits of Thin Client Scheduling Software include:

• Real time data. See all your data as it enters the system, receive e-mail alerts when jobs are late or other problems occur.
• Accurate data analysis. Storing similar data and using the same data structure at all your departments/locations ensures accurate data comparisons.
• Decreased IT travel expenses, browser-based software allows IT people to access, modify and upgrade the system from any location one time -- no need to access all the computers that run the software.
• Reduced hardware cost by using thin client terminals and/or hand-held devices.

Most scheduling systems are executables or thick client, so it is often difficult to find a thin client scheduling software. It is even more difficult to find flexible software to meet one’s requirements. Tuppas Software specializes in Thin Client Scheduling Software that is tailorable, http://www.tuppas.com/Production%20Scheduling.htm. Tuppas offers agile software to maximize each company’s continuous improvement efforts while conforming the their refined core practices.

If you're looking for more information on production scheduling you might want to check out the Production SCheduling Software Portal. The site offers information on scheduling solutions as well as articles on advanced planning.