You might not be able to predict the future, but StartProto can! Our production scheduling simulation can help you answer questions like:

• If I accept this large, new rush order, what does it do to my on-time delivery? Which customers are impacted?
• I have to take machine XYZ down for unexpected maintenance. What happens if that machine is down for two hours? Two days? What orders are impacted?
• My outside processing vendor for powder coating is offering a 10% discount for a 2-day longer lead time. What will this do to my on-time delivery for next month?

Introducing Scheduling Simulation: See the Future of Your Production Schedule Before You Commit

Create schedule simulations to generate an optimized schedule based on current work requirements (orders/demand and WIP) and constraints (materials inventory, setup times, outside processing, etc.). StartProto’s new production scheduling simulation feature gives you a powerful way to plan, test, and optimize schedules — optimizing on-time delivery and boosting your demand forecasting & scheduling accuracy.

How it Works

We got real fancy with it! We don’t mean to brag, but there is some big maths behind it. Our engineers lovingly refer to it as constraint-based combinatoric scheduling. 

‍

At the core, production scheduling simulation tool analyzes your operations, dependencies, and constraints to build a forward-looking production timeline.

‍

Here’s what you can do:

• Set Key Parameters: Control buffer times, minimum operation times, and assignment rules to mirror your real-world conditions.
• Adjust Demand Inputs: Link orders directly to production and see how changes impact your schedule with our demand forecasting & scheduling.
• Visualize Dependencies: Click any operation to view its full dependency path and identify bottlenecks instantly.
• Export the Data: Download the raw simulation results in CSV form for reporting and deeper analysis.

This means you’re not just scheduling—you’re forecasting. Works great for real-time scenarios. Also, you can choose a start date in the future to help plan for the upcoming week, month, quarter, etc. 

Settings to Fuel Increased Accuracy Based on the Way YOU Operate

Advanced parameters allow you to set weights for items pertinent to the way your shop uniquely operates. For example, runtime nuances like some machines can run unattended, but setup time needs to occur during shop hours.

‍

NEW FEATURE ALERT

Demand Aggregation Side-Panel

We’ve added a new side panel that links demand sources (orders) to your schedule. Click on any order to instantly see its projected completion date and how changes affect it — aligning demand forecasting & scheduling with real-world capacity.

Why Simulation Matters

Optimize On-Time Delivery Before It’s Too Late

Traditional scheduling tools show you the plan you’ve already created. Production scheduling simulation goes further—it shows you how different choices affect production outcomes:

• Predict Delivery Dates: With an “Estimated Completion Date” calculation built in, you’ll know exactly when orders are likely to finish.
• Test Before You Commit: Change setup times, buffer periods, or start dates and see how it impacts your entire timeline.
• Reduce Risk: Spot bottlenecks and delays early, before they cascade through production.
• Improve Customer Satisfaction: Better forecasting leads to more reliable delivery promises — a key part of on-time delivery optimization. 

Business Outcomes You’ll See

• Higher Throughput: Optimize machine and labor usage with fewer conflicts.
• Better Planning: Run “what-if” scenarios to test new capacity, products, or processes without disrupting live operations.
• Faster Decision-Making: Replace guesswork with data-driven projections.
• Increased Profitability: Minimize overtime, reduce late orders, and improve resource utilization.