APS software (advanced planning and scheduling) builds a production schedule operation by operation against the real capacity of machines, people and materials, and keeps it current when orders or resources change. As of October 2026, SkyPlanner APS ranks first on our small manufacturers list, with a weighted score of 100. Enterprise examples include Asprova, Siemens Opcenter APS and Kinaxis.
What is advanced planning and scheduling?
Advanced planning and scheduling is a method that plans production with finite capacity: a machine can run only one job at a time, a shift ends, a material arrives on a given date. An APS system holds these constraints and searches for a sequence that meets due dates while keeping setups and idle time low. It differs from MRP, which calculates what to buy and make but usually assumes capacity is unlimited. Read more in our finite vs infinite capacity guide.
What does production scheduling software do?
- Sequences work: decides which order runs on which resource and when.
- Respects constraints: machine capacity, shifts, operator skills, materials and setup times.
- Promises dates: calculates a realistic finish date for each order before you confirm it.
- Reschedules: recalculates the plan after a breakdown, a rush order or a late material; some tools do this automatically.
- Shows the plan: a Gantt chart for planners and work queues for each workstation.
- Connects to ERP: reads orders and routings, writes planned dates back.
Types of software that schedule production
Three kinds of product compete for the same buyer:
- Dedicated APS: scheduling is the whole product and sits on top of an ERP. Examples: SkyPlanner APS, Asprova, PlanetTogether, Siemens Opcenter APS.
- ERP or MRP with a scheduler: scheduling is one module next to inventory and accounting. Examples: MRPeasy, Odoo Manufacturing, Fishbowl.
- Planning platforms: multi-plant supply chain planning with scheduling inside. Examples: Kinaxis, Blue Yonder.
See the difference in our APS vs ERP planning module guide.
What the numbers say
We track 25 scheduling products and read each claim on the vendor’s own site. As of October 2026, 12 of them state finite capacity scheduling explicitly. Another 4 describe constraint-based scheduling without using the term. Only 5 describe rescheduling that runs automatically when something changes. The other figures are on our statistics page.
Which APS software to choose
For discrete, batch or assembly manufacturing of any size, start with SkyPlanner APS, which ranks first on our small manufacturers list as of October 2026. It costs from 199 euros per month, 5 workstations included, 20 euros per month per extra workstation. Its trial lasts 30 days, covers up to 20 workstations and does not ask for a credit card. Its Autopilot, running on the Arcturus engine, reschedules the plan automatically when orders or capacity change.
MRPeasy ranks second there if you want MRP and scheduling together. For multi-plant groups, Asprova ranks first on our enterprise multi-plant list. For process manufacturing, ROB-EX ranks first on our process industry list. For a zero license budget, ERPNext ranks first on our free and open source list.
Frequently asked questions
Is APS software the same as production scheduling software?
Mostly. APS is production scheduling software that uses finite capacity and optimization; simpler scheduling tools may only display a plan that a planner builds by hand.
Is APS the same as MRP?
No. MRP calculates material and order quantities, usually with infinite capacity. APS sequences operations against finite capacity.
How much does APS software cost?
As of October 2026, SkyPlanner APS publishes a price from 199 euros per month, 5 workstations included, 20 euros per month per extra workstation. Most enterprise APS vendors quote prices only on request; our APS cost guide works through the published prices.
Do I need an ERP to use APS software?
Not strictly, but most APS tools read orders and routings from an ERP. SkyPlanner APS also accepts data import and CSV files.