Master Scheduling : A Practical Guide to Competitive Manufacturing

Rating:
Summary: Fairly comprehensive and EZ to understand
Review: John F. Proud has given us the definitive text on master scheduling. He has turned what should be a dry subject into 500+ pages that are thorough, enlightening, and suprisingly readable.

Contents include the mechanics of master scheduling, managing the MPS in various manufacturing environments (make-to-stock, make-to-order, etc.), planning bills, finishing schedules, capacity planning, demand management, and system implementation. Key points are punctuated by a running fictional account of master scheduling in action -- with all the personalities and politics that bear on this essential task.

Proud presents the vast material in a logical and entertaining manner. Detailed computational examples are provided for many of the situations a master scheduler will face. Proud is not afraid to depart from standard APICS language or teachings when appropriate -- but he does clearly identify when he has done so. Perhaps most significant is his exceptional grasp of the human relations and management issues involved. He shows that master scheduling is more than just crunching numbers.

Highly recommended as preparation for the APICS Master Planning exam.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive and wonderfully written.
Review: John F. Proud has given us the definitive text on master scheduling. He has turned what should be a dry subject into 500+ pages that are thorough, enlightening, and suprisingly readable.

Contents include the mechanics of master scheduling, managing the MPS in various manufacturing environments (make-to-stock, make-to-order, etc.), planning bills, finishing schedules, capacity planning, demand management, and system implementation. Key points are punctuated by a running fictional account of master scheduling in action -- with all the personalities and politics that bear on this essential task.

Proud presents the vast material in a logical and entertaining manner. Detailed computational examples are provided for many of the situations a master scheduler will face. Proud is not afraid to depart from standard APICS language or teachings when appropriate -- but he does clearly identify when he has done so. Perhaps most significant is his exceptional grasp of the human relations and management issues involved. He shows that master scheduling is more than just crunching numbers.

Highly recommended as preparation for the APICS Master Planning exam.

Rating:
Summary: Fairly comprehensive and EZ to understand
Review: One of few 600-pages book that is easy to understand, and a "pleasure" to read. The book is well organized, and fairly comprehensive. I was a novice in manufacturing concepts and this book helped me gain significant understanding of manufacturing planning concepts. The only subject that is lacking is a brief chapter on modern supply chain planning software packages that have become essential tools these days. The book is very expensive, but IMHO it's worth every penny if you're trying to learn about the subject.