It excels in "Usability," "Flexibility," and "Scheduling Logic."
■ Usability
For a production scheduler to be utilized in daily operations, it is essential that it is easy to use. Systems that are difficult to use gradually fall out of favor.
FLEXSCHE's operability and GUI (interface) have received very high praise from customers. We have even received comments such as "Once you use it, you won't want to use any other software."
To make it easy to use, imagination is necessary. We incorporate ideas into our products, such as "It would be convenient if we could do this while performing this operation."
Of course, not only ideas but also the technical ability to realize them are necessary. Conversely, having technical ability allows for various ideas to emerge. The accumulation of these factors significantly impacts the overall user experience.
■ Flexibility
The manufacturing industry is extremely diverse. There are many industries, and even within the same industry, the requirements for a production scheduler vary depending on the factory or process.
To meet these demands, a production scheduler needs flexibility.
There are many cases where the introduction of a system is halted just one step away from actual operation because a package lacking flexibility was chosen, ultimately leading to the abandonment of operation. Additionally, when operational conditions change after implementation, or when aiming for a higher level of operation, the package often cannot withstand new demands, leading to the disposal of the system.
FLEXSCHE was developed to improve such situations.
Especially in Japanese manufacturing, where the field is strong and there is a commitment to craftsmanship, flexibility is indispensable for creating plans that satisfy the field.
Incidentally, those who have experienced failure in introducing a production scheduler often find FLEXSCHE very appealing, perhaps because they empathize with these circumstances.
The secret to FLEXSCHE's flexibility includes:
- Designing it so that various functions can be combined and used
- Having a versatile internal data model
- Structuring it to allow easy customization
To achieve these, design skills, technical skills, and knowledge of the manufacturing industry are necessary, and the presence of our staff who can realize this seems to be a differentiating point.
For example, even with just one Gantt chart, FLEXSCHE's Gantt chart has remarkable flexibility. You can freely combine various charts, such as resource Gantt charts, order Gantt charts, inventory level charts, and idle charts, into one chart. We call this a "Composite Chart."
A production scheduler handles various data, and it is also characterized by their complex interrelationships. With FLEXSCHE, you can drill down and visualize these relationships.
In this regard, it is truly "seeing is believing." Please take a look at the actual product and experience it for yourself.
■ Scheduling Logic
FLEXSCHE's scheduling performance has received very high praise from customers who have compared it with other products. In fact, it boasts an overwhelming win rate in competitions based on schedule content.
Unfortunately, however, many customers seem to underestimate scheduling performance.
They may think, "We don't need that level of performance," but the demands from the manufacturing site for the quality of the plan should not be taken lightly.
For example, if a plan that was previously created manually is inferior to the scheduler's plan, the motivation to introduce the scheduler will diminish.
Moreover, while the initial purpose of introducing a production scheduler is often "visualization," the next demand will likely be "to see it properly." To accurately foresee the future, the performance of the scheduling logic is actually important.
These features can also be confirmed in the FLEXSCHE GP auto demo, so please take a look.
FLEXSCHE GP Auto DemoFLEXSCHE Product Introduction
Can this product handle production planning, or is it just a scheduler function?Return to List
It can do both. The scheduler function is particularly powerful, but with the new product FLEXSCHE d-MPS (FLEXSCHE d-MPS) in version 12.0, production planning has also become powerful.
Can scheduling for multiple factories be done?Return to List
Yes, there are two main methods:
1. Scheduling multiple factories with a single set of data
2. Scheduling for each factory and linking them together
are available.
If there are multiple factories in an alternative relationship, method 1 is recommended. By scheduling multiple factories together, you can devise a load distribution plan for the factories.
Also, if those factories are positioned upstream and downstream in the supply chain, method 2 is suitable, where the downstream purchase order data is passed as the upstream manufacturing order data, and the completion date of the upstream manufacturing order is passed as the delivery date of the downstream purchase order.
How do you handle BOM switching and alternatives?Return to List
There is a mechanism called a selector. You register multiple manufacturing methods as master data and instruct the order, "This order is to be made this way."
Moreover, by devising scheduling rules, one can be automatically selected from among them.
There are many. In FLEXSCHE, they are called "Resources." Broadly divided into:
- Simple Resource (capable of one operation at a time)
- Multiplex Resource (capable of multiple operations simultaneously)
These are the two main types, but they are further subdivided.
Let's list them briefly.
- Simple Resource
- Infinite Capacity Simple Resource
- Variable Capacity Resource (speed changes depending on the number of people)
- Infinite Capacity Multiplex Resource
- Occupied During Suspension Multiplex Resource
- Released During Suspension Multiplex Resource
- Simul-loading Multiplex Resource (such as furnaces)
- Squad Resource (a multiplex resource defined by a collection of member resources)
Please try the evaluation version for more details.
What criteria are used for selecting process routes, equipment, lines, and operations?Return to List
The criteria can be specified flexibly.
Process route selection is basically specified manually for each order. By devising scheduling rules, it can also be selected automatically.
How can the time fence for a rolling schedule be set?Return to List
There are two methods.
1. Specify a fixed period from the current date and time common to all resources
2. Set the time fence period for each resource and adhere to it with scheduling rules
Among these, method 1 is simple. Method 2 is somewhat more complex.
Is it possible to inquire about due dates with a remote batch?Return to List
There are several methods. Here are some examples.
・Perform batch operations such as launching FLEXSCHE, loading data, rescheduling, exporting planning content, and closing FLEXSCHE, and extract due date information from the exported data.
・Keep FLEXSCHE running continuously, periodically import external data, reschedule, export planning content, and extract due date information from the exported data.
・Input provisional orders into FLEXSCHE Communicator, perform automatic scheduling on the server, and return the due date.
Depending on the method, development of add-ins or peripheral systems may be necessary.
Are there tuning tools for optimization functions?Return to List
While it does not perform "optimization" in the strict academic sense, it offers a wealth of features to create a practically good schedule, which can be finely adjusted.
Additionally, it is possible to implement a custom engine.
Is customization development necessary for implementation?Return to List
No, in most cases, the flexibility of standard features or optional products is sufficient. This is expected as it is a packaged product.
Furthermore, I have heard that a competing company is spreading false information such as "FLEXSCHE requires customization development for implementation." If this is true, please contact us. It may constitute a violation of Article 233 of the Penal Code regarding obstruction of business by deception.
Does FLEXSCHE support high-mix low-volume production?Return to List
Of course, it does.
In fact, it is particularly effective in challenging environments such as "high-mix low-volume," "short lifespan," and "short lead time."
Is scheduling possible with forward and backward methods?Return to List
Of course, it is possible. They can also be mixed.
Furthermore, advanced processing, such as reassigning only the upstream of a bottleneck process backward after scheduling, is also possible.
Is it possible to schedule to reduce changeovers?Return to List
Yes, it is possible. If you are inputting changeover time data, it wouldn't be a scheduler if it couldn't plan to reduce it, right?
In FLEXSCHE, not only can you reduce changeovers, but you can also perform advanced scheduling to reduce changeovers while meeting due dates.
Yes, it is possible. There is a feature called snapshot, which allows you to save the entire plan. Furthermore, you can compare the current plan with a snapshot on a single Gantt chart.
For example, you can prepare various scheduling rules, compare the results of each scheduling, and adopt the best plan.
Additionally, using this mechanism, you can compare a plan from a month ago with the current results. Since it is a comparison of plans and results, it is also called "plan vs. actual comparison."
Does it support TOC (Theory of Constraints)?Return to List
If you mean "Can the productivity of the bottleneck be increased, and can the upstream be made to follow it?" then it can be achieved at a high level.
However, it seems that the term "TOC" is being overused in a way that deviates from its original meaning in general society.
The "five steps of TOC" are,
1. Identify the bottleneck
2. Maximize the utilization of the bottleneck
3. Subordinate non-bottlenecks to the bottleneck
4. Strengthen the bottleneck
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4
These are the steps.
Regarding steps 1 to 3, FLEXSCHE has,
・A mechanism to visualize bottlenecks ("Resource Load Chart," "Resource Idle Chart")
・A mechanism to improve the productivity of bottlenecks ("Resource-driven Dispatching Method")
・A mechanism to reassign non-bottleneck processes with a certain margin ("Mark Operations Method," "Unassign Operations Method," "Operation-driven Dispatching Method")
are available.
Regarding step 4, it is possible to simulate how much strengthening will yield what level of effect.
Is it possible for FLEXSCHE to exchange data with upper-level systems?Return to List
Yes, it is possible. The standard data input/output format for FLEXSCHE GP is CSV files, and the specifications are fully disclosed.
Additionally, there is a function to define mapping with external databases (FLEXSCHE EDIF).
Does FLEXSCHE operate in a server-client manner?Return to List
The application itself operates on a standalone PC.
It is also possible to place data on a server, operate FLEXSCHE on a client PC, load server data, and perform scheduling.
However, in cases where it is used by many people, it can be divided into
1. One person plans the schedule, and multiple people view the results
2. Multiple people want to collaborate when planning the schedule
These seem to be the cases.
For case 1, there is a product called FLEXSCHE Viewer for viewing schedules. Like FLEXSCHE GP, you can check the schedule content with various charts. However, scheduling cannot be done. As a result, it is priced lower.
For case 2, there is a server product called FLEXSCHE Communicator. Multiple personnel can simultaneously view and modify a single plan. Of course, a mechanism to ensure data consistency (exclusive control) is necessary, and FLEXSCHE Communicator achieves this.
(In fact, achieving this in a system where various data are intertwined, such as a production scheduler, is groundbreaking.)
However, to avoid falling into the trap of "too many cooks spoil the broth," it is not enough to simply share data; it is necessary to establish rules for decision-making among the personnel involved. FLEXSCHE Viewer Product Information FLEXSCHE Communicator Auto Demo
With a regular license (single license), you can run FLEXSCHE by connecting the license key to your PC. However, with a network license, FLEXSCHE can be run simultaneously on a certain number of PCs on the network. The installation of FLEXSCHE itself can be done on more devices than the number of licenses, but only the number of simultaneous activations is limited.
Can custom scheduling logic be incorporated into FLEXSCHE GP?Return to List
Yes, it can.
FLEXSCHE GP is based on "FLEXSCHE Components," which are software components (COM interface compliant) for developing production schedulers. Furthermore, FLEXSCHE Components provide methods for assigning operations, which FLEXSCHE GP also utilizes.
In other words, it is possible to fully access the internal data held by FLEXSCHE GP from external modules and assign operations using the same means that FLEXSCHE GP uses.
That said, the standard features of FLEXSCHE GP are sufficiently powerful, so in most cases, they are adequate. Currently, there are fewer cases where assignment logic is independently developed. Information for Developers
What is the "FLEXSCHE GP Advanced Option"?Return to List
The scheduling functions of FLEXSCHE GP are very powerful even in their standard form, but this is an optional product to further extend them.
When introducing a production scheduler, it is often the case that operational constraints and rules that were not initially recognized become important later on.
In such cases, one option is to take advantage of FLEXSCHE's feature of "being customizable to any extent" and implement custom logic, but developing scheduling logic requires advanced logical thinking and skills.
Therefore, we have prepared functions as options that "are not necessary for all customers, but may be necessary for specific customers" in advance.
Specifically, there are options such as the Resource Occupation Option, Order Pegging Automation Option, and Maintenance Operation Assignment Option.
The license for the FLEXSCHE GP Advanced Option is managed by the number of units. Each option has a required number of units, and you can freely choose combinations within the total number of licensed units.
The number of licenses is 1,111, and the number of companies introduced is 499 (from March 2002 to May 2020). The industries include various fields such as materials, machinery, automotive, electronic components, semiconductors, chemicals, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
Is there a comparison table with other companies' production schedulers?Return to List
We are sorry, but we do not distribute it.
The reason is that we cannot always accurately grasp the information of other companies' packages. There must be no mistakes in the content.
(In reality, is it possible to continuously and accurately grasp the information of other companies' products that are updated from time to time??)
Of course, it is possible to fill in FLEXSCHE's information in a comparison table created by the customer.
However, the customer needs to carefully consider what to use as comparison items. You should not let the vendor create the items. It will end up with items that are convenient for promoting their own products. It could lead to misjudgment and reduce the effectiveness of the introduction.
1. Experience seminars, 2. Mailing list, 3. OpenDay, 4. Training, 5. Individual introduction support (custom development agency, introduction consulting), etc.
Among these, 1 to 3 are free and available to anyone.
It is a membership-based email service. Only registered members can post and view emails.
In the user mailing list, we accept questions about FLEXSCHE's operation methods, data settings, rule settings, and requests regarding product specifications. Please also use it as a place for Q&A and discussions about scheduling in general.
Additionally, the developer mailing list is used as a place for discussing and Q&A about the development of add-ins that operate on FLEXSCHE.
It is a free service where we open our office to our related companies and welcome visits from everyone.
We accept any topics, such as the operation, introduction, development integration, and sales activities of FLEXSCHE products, discussions on scheduling and general software technology, and casual talks.
It started with the thought that "it is important not only to supply the package for the operation of the production scheduler but also to impart the usage technology and introduction know-how."
Initially, it was held once a month, but now, due to its popularity, it is held twice a month. OpenDay Details and Application
"FLEXSCHE" is a coined word combining "FLEXible" and "SCHEduler." (It is not French.)
The name embodies the thought that flexibility is necessary for a production scheduler, which is reflected in the product name and company name.
We will continue to provide products that live up to that name.
Can you analyze waiting times due to the "queue phenomenon"?Return to List
It depends on what "queue phenomenon" means, but if it means "inter-process retention (work-in-progress) status," it can be visualized with a resource retention chart. It is also effective for extracting bottlenecks.
If it means "a mathematical model where requests for resource usage arrive based on a specific probability distribution," there is no dedicated function for that, but it is possible to reflect "fluctuations" based on a specific probability distribution in process times.
However, in the manufacturing industry, upstream processes are also subject to control (or regulation), and the waiting time that occurs between processes is different in nature from the queues that occur at bank counters, etc.
For example, in manufacturing, waiting time can be reduced by delaying the start of upstream processes if retention is expected to occur downstream.
Therefore, as a method of dealing with uncertainty, it is more mainstream to secure an appropriate "buffer" to limit the impact rather than modeling it as a "queue."
In a general production environment with variability, is it impossible to generate an executable production schedule specifying operation start and end times?Return to List
If asked, "Can you actually manufacture without deviating even a minute or second from the generated schedule?" there are probably very few manufacturing industries where that is possible.
However, that does not mean that "a production scheduler is completely useless."
For example, the decision of "which operation should be prioritized for each resource" should not significantly change even if the start and end times of operations are slightly off.
In practice, it is common to incorporate discrepancies that occur in actual manufacturing as operation results and reflect their impact in the next schedule to prevent the gap between the plan and reality from widening.
