MxAPS is a forward scheduling system. MxAPS is not a backward finite scheduler however, Just-in-Time settings can help delay work so it finishes within a defined window around the due date.

It schedules forward from the Start Date entered on the MxAPS Generate a Schedule page. It does not generate the schedule backward from each production order due date.

How MxAPS Schedules

When you generate a schedule, MxAPS starts from the selected Start Date and schedules eligible production order routing lines forward in time.

MxAPS considers:

1. Machine and work center availability.
2. Operation sequence.
3. Production calendars.
4. Material availability.
5. Alternate machines.
6. Scheduling rules.
7. Due dates and priorities.

How Due Dates Are Used

Due dates are still important.

MxAPS uses due dates to help prioritize work and identify whether an order or operation is late.

However, the due date is not the starting point for backward scheduling.

Just-in-Time Scheduling

For Lean Manufacturing scenarios, MxAPS can use Just-in-Time scheduling behavior.

This does not make MxAPS a backward scheduling system. Instead, MxAPS still schedules forward, then uses Just-in-Time settings to move the order closer to the due date until it falls within the allowed date range.

Just-in-Time settings are available on the Routing Line and Prod. Order Routing Line.

The relevant fields are:

Example

If the schedule start date is Monday at 8:00 AM, MxAPS begins scheduling from Monday at 8:00 AM.

If an order is due Friday, MxAPS may prioritize it based on scheduling rules and due date.

If Just-in-Time scheduling is enabled, MxAPS can delay the order so it finishes closer to Friday, within the range defined by Max. Early Days and Max. Late Days.

What This Means

Use the schedule Start Date to control when MxAPS begins scheduling.

Use scheduling rules, due dates, priorities, and filters to influence the order in which work is scheduled.

Use Just-in-Time settings when work should be delayed to land within a target window near the due date.

Best Practices

1. Set the schedule start date to the earliest time production should be scheduled.
2. Use due dates and priorities consistently.
3. Use Just-in-Time scheduling only where finishing too early is a concern.
4. Keep Just-in-Time Increment Duration practical. Very small increments can affect scheduling performance.
5. Review late operations after each schedule run.
6. Adjust scheduling rules if the sequence does not match planning expectations.