Released on: February 27, 2008, 3:32 pm

Press Release Author: Thomas R. Cutler

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Engineer-to-Order Capacity Planning Differs According to
Trakware's Randy Richel

Press Release Body: Trakware Systems is the worldwide leader in manufacturing
execution system (MES) solutions for engineer-to-order (ETO) and project-based
manufacturers maximizing both profitability and productivity. Trakware specializes
in lean business-critical functions such as estimating, advanced scheduling, job
costing, production management and labor as well as material shop floor data
collection. TRAKware software fully integrates with existing ERP systems, as well as
major software providers for financials, engineering design, optimization, payroll
and wireless interaction for mobile workers. Trakware recognizes ETO manufacturing
as a process and includes a wide range of industry sectors including Architectural
Woodworking, Cabinets, Store Fixtures, Doors and Windows, Furniture, Oil and Gas
Fabrication, Solid Surface, Metal Fabrication, Yacht-building, and Custom
Electronics.


According to Randy Richel, P.Eng., CEO and General Manager of Canadian-based
Trakware, "Scheduling in a project-based environment can have a variety of meanings
and possible solutions. TRAKware approaches scheduling in three broad categories -
Capacity Planning, Capacity Management, and Finite Resource Scheduling. Customers
make the decision as to which level of scheduling functionality meets their needs
and can progress from the basic Capacity Planning scenario to full Finite Resource
Scheduling as their business requirements change."


Capacity Planning uses the due dates on the deliverables as the main parameter to
provide Capacity Planning schedule information. The due dates are backed off by a
configurable lead time parameter and the required hours (divided by department
and/or work center) are put into the appropriate planning 'buckets'.

A simple report is used to display the planning buckets out over a period of time.
Proposed projects and estimates can be overlaid to provide a planning forecast. A
typical time window for Capacity Planning is 1 to 12 months; this is further out
than Capacity Management or Finite Resource Scheduling. A schedule is typically a
simple list of work orders sorted by priority and due date. Capacity Planning
functionality is included as part of the projectTRAK module.


TRAKware Systems Inc.
www.trakware.com
Randy Richel, CEO
info@trakware.com
800-370-1849


Web Site: http://www.trakware.com

Contact Details: TRAKware Systems
1120-13 Mission Ave.
St.Albert, Alberta, Canada
800-370-1849