Why ERP and Excel fall short
The ERP is essential for orders, materials and costs, but it plans with infinite capacity: it doesn't know that two operations fight over the same machine. The spreadsheet doesn't know your routings, alternative machines or setup changes, and rescheduling by hand is slow and fragile.
From Excel to a feasible plan in minutes
The idea isn't to change how you work overnight, but to add a layer on top: you import your data (the same you already handle), the copilot builds a finite-capacity plan and shows you which orders are at risk. It doesn't replace the ERP; it lives alongside it.
What you need to start
Six tables — usually already present in your operation — are enough for a first pilot:
- Orders: quantity, due date, priority and status.
- Operations: order, sequence and expected duration.
- Resources: compatible machines and capacities.
- Calendars: shifts, holidays and maintenance.
- Setups: product families and changeover times.
- Execution: what's finished, started or pending.
FAQ
Do I have to switch ERP?
No. The tool builds on the data you already have and returns the plan for your approval. The ERP stays your system of record.
What if my data is incomplete?
That's the norm. Before optimizing, inconsistent routings, times and constraints are detected and turned into a usable model.