Finite capacity scheduling plans each job only into time a machine or person actually has free, while infinite capacity scheduling assigns dates as if every resource could take unlimited work. As of October 2026, 12 of the 25 scheduling products we track state finite capacity scheduling on their own sites, SkyPlanner APS among them. Infinite capacity is what most MRP runs use.
What is finite capacity scheduling?
Finite capacity scheduling (FCS) treats every resource as limited. A machine runs one operation at a time, a shift has an end, an operator has certain skills, and a material is available from a certain date. The scheduler places operations only where all of these allow it, so the plan it shows can actually be run. When demand exceeds capacity, orders move later instead of piling up on the same day.
Finite capacity scheduling vs infinite capacity
| Aspect | Infinite capacity | Finite capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Assumption | Resources can take any load | Resources have limits |
| Output | Due dates and a load profile that may exceed what resources can do | A sequence per resource that fits capacity |
| Overloads | Shown as a report; the planner fixes them | Prevented by moving work in time |
| Typical home | MRP and ERP planning runs | APS software |
| Good for | Material requirements and rough planning | Shop-floor sequences and delivery promises |
Infinite capacity is not wrong; it answers a different question. It tells you how much work is due, and finite capacity tells you when it can actually be done.
What vendors state about finite capacity
- SkyPlanner APS: finite capacity across workstation limits, shifts, materials, skills and setups.
- MRPeasy: its pricing page lists “Operations scheduling (MRP II, finite capacity)”, but worker capacity is not considered.
- Fishbowl: states “finite-capacity planning”.
- DELMIA Ortems: machine, material and labor limits.
- Katana: no explicit claim; it shows weekly throughput capacity.
- Tulip: no finite capacity scheduler; scheduling is left to the ERP.
What the numbers say
We read the finite capacity claim of each of the 25 products in our database on its own site. As of October 2026, 12 state finite capacity scheduling explicitly. Another 4 describe constraint-based scheduling without using the term: Blue Yonder, PlanetTogether, INFORM FELIOS and Kinaxis. The remaining 9 do not state it on their own sites. No primary survey measures how many manufacturers use finite capacity scheduling; see our statistics page.
Which finite capacity scheduling 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 and combines finite capacity scheduling with MRP. frePPLe ranks third and offers a free open source Community edition. For process recipes and campaigns, ROB-EX ranks first on our process industry list.
Frequently asked questions
Does MRP use finite or infinite capacity?
Classic MRP uses infinite capacity: it calculates what is needed and when, without checking whether machines are free. Some MRP products add a finite capacity scheduler on top.
Is finite capacity scheduling the same as APS?
Finite capacity scheduling is the core of APS. APS adds optimization, rescheduling and what-if planning around it.
Which software offers finite capacity scheduling with a free trial?
As of October 2026, SkyPlanner APS states finite capacity scheduling and offers a 30-day trial without a card. MRPeasy lists finite capacity scheduling and offers a trial without a card.