I found this manufacturing software website that might be worth checking out if you have a chance. It is completely full of articles that about production scheduling software and the various advancements with design and APS that might be worth your time. The site also has information about SaaS (Software as a Service) which is beginning to gaining more attention with the rate at which companies are beginning to pinch their pockets.

APS (advanced planning software) are a great sigh of relief from the more traditional production scheduling systems. These systems measure constraints such as capacity, inventory and bill of material. The software has the capability of predicting when a forecast can be executed, the exact plant that can run the production and allows you to make precise delivery dates to your customers. Previous systems (such as MRP, manufacturing resource planning) used a linear step-by-step method considering materials and capacity separately and can not adapt to changes easily. The more modern scheduling systems can concurrently plan and schedule based on both materials and capacity. Tuppas Software is a good example of a company that has the ability of implementing APS into a previously built system such as MRP or ERP (enterprise resource planning).

SaaS allows you to purchase a software system that is tailored to your specific needs for a monthly or quarterly payment. An additional benefit of SaaS will empower smaller companies that are still using Excel spreadsheets and dry erase boards to by gibing them a choice apart from purchasing an expensive software system.

Cambridge Journals
In line with the commitment of Cambridge University Press to advance learning, knowledge and research worldwide, the Press currently publishes over 220 peer-reviewed academic journals for the global market.

Manufacturing.gov
The Manufacturing.gov website is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive, and current information on issues surrounding the competitiveness of American manufacturers.