Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between scheduler and APS?

Scheduler is a constitutive element of the core of APS. Thus the scheduler must be flexibly able to be linked to Planning functions such as ability planning or requirement planning. Moreover the latest scheduler includes the Planning functions and the scheduler that can be called APS system by itself appears.

Is the interest in APS short-lived popularity?

The term "APS" may be in fashion or out of fashion. But the way of thinking and the theory behind the term will be taken over in every ten years from now on. If anything, there are a lot of incomplete parts and large spaces to be developed in APS.

Does APS deny the present legacy system?

If legacy system is regarded as a component of decision-making, it will survive as assets of enterprise literally and the effect will be display in the whole collaboration by APS. On the other hand, systems, which cannot be linked with other systems, will be left behind the times in future.

Are the contents on XML the main part in this specification?

In PSLX, XML is regarded as the important engineering to implement APS concept, however APS cannot be realized only with XML. This specification contains a lot of important guidelines and technologies for succeeding projects for instance Grand Design for Manufacturing Enterprises.

Must XML be used for exchanging data?

Data exchanging with XML is suitable for the rough linkage on balance. Therefore in PSLX it is recommended exchanging data between APS systems or between APS system and a peripheral system in XML format. However this is not an indispensable condition.

Is it impractical that schedulers are linked beyond enterprises?

Generally it is impractical that schedulers are individually linked beyond the wall between enterprises. Usually the decision-making by the business department stands between them. However the number of cases where schedulers are directly linked in an enterprise or between cooperated enterprises for doing the more dynamic plan linkage will gradually increase.

Must a human make decision finally?

In Planning and Scheduling managed by APS, a solution is gotten with computer ability as much as possible. However there are many cases where a human should finally decide the solution. APS aims at the mechanism that specifies the range decided only with a computer and the range decided only by a human beforehand and can make the cooperation between computer and human flexibly.

Are designing and transportation scheduling included in APS?

Designing and transportation scheduling are also a kind of Planning. But it is difficult to directly manage them in APS because the object is a shape of item or transportation route. However it is possible to put a part of designing or transportation scheduling into APS from the point of APS, because they include a lot of common problems to be handled such as designing or transporting.

Will MRP (Material Requirement Planning) not be required in APS?

APS can include MRP in a wide sense. But most of the present MRP cannot be called APS by itself. Many MRP functions are taken as a very important element for APS, on the other hand faults are also recognized. It is expected that MRP will be assimilated into APS with largely changing its shape in future.

How much investment is needed to introduce APS?

If you take the method that a system is gradually improved more effectively with restricting the application range, a large investment is not needed at a time. If anything, an investment in human resources is required. Invest the larger money in consideration for purchasing packages or developing, data preparation and support after introducing a system than the amount of money for purchasing packages and the external consignment development.

Do XML rules in PSLX and the specifications in other EDI compete?

Basically their structures don't compete. PSLX assumes the linkage of decision-making modules mainly inside of an enterprise or enterprises including the cooperated companies and so PSLX is used differently from other specifications for Electronic Commerce between general enterprises. However when PSLX is exchanged between enterprises, PSLX assumes the form of using EDI standards in some cases and operating the system in combination with PSLX rules.

Can I sell a program developed on the basis of this specification?

All the members and non-members of PSLX Consortium can originally develop and sell the program based on the content of this specification for business. In such a case, specify "Based on PSLX" on a catalog and please notify PSLX Consortium of it. People other than the corporate members can use the content of this specification for commercial use.

Can the contents of the specification be extended originally?

Basically it is possible. But it cannot be modified. The greatest merit of XML is that the shortage of function can be added and the present function can be expanded in accordance with XML rules established in this specification. The result of specification expansion may become a new standard on the next step and so notify PSLX Consortium Japan of the contents as much as possible.

How is a specification added or how is a version revised?

The contents of this specification are maintained by a new organization taking over the result of PSLX Consortium Japan. Therefore a specification will be added and a version will be revised in the future under the more certain and open organization management. The specification of PSLX will also progress to solve a specific problem in every industry and to realize APS with a high-performance function in a wider range.

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