What is High Flexibility Scheduling?

An Integrated Approach

The essence of high flexibility scheduling, or HFS, is “plan to a forecast and execute to an order.”

HFS is a key component of crafting a sustainable lean organization. It provides the capability to leverage your lean transformation as a competitive advantage.

HFS is a program of integrated processes for:

• Supply Planning
• Master Scheduling
• Detail Scheduling

Let’s look closer at the three critical elements:

Supply Planning

Key points:

The Supply Plan is a high level plan that is focused on the volume.

It should be developed as part of the Sales & Operations Planning process.

It is a plan that is provided to internal operations and external suppliers to help position the right resources.

Supply Planning Outputs

The first step in HFS, supply planning provides requirements to both internal operations and external suppliers so they may prepare in terms of capacity and materials.

They are to use this plan to position resources. This means they are not yet authorized to produce specific finished goods.

As a high level plan focused on aggregate capacity and material requirements, the supply plan concentrates on the volume of demand and supply.

For a sustainable lean organization, the supply plan will often be created for each value stream and be the same level of aggregation used for Sales & Operations Planning.

Master Scheduling

Key points:

The Master Schedule is at a slightly lower level of detail than the Supply Plan and is focused on the mix.

It must be monitored and maintained so that it always reflects what you intend to do.

Depending on lead times and product configuration, it is a plan that may be used to begin building or purchasing common components and raw materials.

Master Scheduling Outputs

The second step in HFS, master scheduling provides requirements to both internal operations and external suppliers so they may prepare in terms of capacity and materials. In addition, it may also create orders that drive the procurement or production of long-lead time items.

As a mid level plan focused on capacity and material requirements, the master schedule concentrates on the mix of demand and supply.

For a sustainable lean organization, the master schedule will establish the takt time for each value stream.

Detail Scheduling

Key points:

The Detail Schedule is at the item level.

It is focused on specific customer orders or replenishment requirements.

This schedule drives the production and purchases of specific items.

Detail Scheduling Outputs

As the third step in HFS, detailed scheduling creates the orders which drive the production and purchase of specific items.

Typically, work orders are provided to internal operations and purchase orders are provided to external suppliers.

For a lean organization, the detail schedule will be driven by visual controls and kanban replenishment techniques.

Summary

High Flexibility Scheduling is a program of integrated processes designed for use by sustainable lean organizations.

Three major differences between traditional scheduling and HFS are:

1. The supply plan is created by value stream as part of the Sales & Operations Planning process
2. The master schedule is created at a model, or generic item, and sets the takt time for each value stream
3. The detail schedule supports firm requirements which are communicated using visual controls and kanban replenishment techniques

About Mike Loughrin

Mike is passionate about helping people create sustainable organizations. He brings exceptional experience in both industry and consulting services and has helped organizations such as Levi Strauss, Warner Home Video, Lexmark, and Sweetheart Cup improve their performance. Mike teaches for Louisiana State University Shreveport and Loyola University Chicago.

Using a balanced approach to defining strategy, improving processes, and leveraging the appropriate technology, he keeps the focus on ROI and delivers results by leveraging skills in leadership, knowledge transfer, project management, and the application of best practices. As a frequent speaker at conferences and other educational events, he provides informative and energizing presentations by leveraging his passion for excellence.

Keeping a commitment to a balanced life, Mike loves downhill skiing, bicycle rides, and hiking in the mountains. See one or more of his trails of the month, such as Tomorrow River or Little Switzerland.

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