APS Evolution

APS evolution can be traced from 1970 when MRP concept was first formalized. But this does not mean that planning systems were not existed before MRP. Earlier planners were using many unstructured manual planning process to compute material and resource requirements. Re-order point planning and min-max planning were some of the key process which were in use before 1970 also. A brief time-line of APS evolution is explained below.

1. MRP - 1970
Features - Unconstrained planning, MRP, CRP, MPS, Backward Scheduling

2. MRP II - 1980
Features - Unconstrained planning, Closed loop material planning, Integrated financial process

3. ERP - 1990
Features - Integrated Financial, HR, Costing, Distribution, Planning and Manufacturing

4. APS - 2000
Features - Holistic planning, Optimization

From business users and consultants perspective, the current APS system is not self sufficient. There are many drawbacks and limitations in existing APS system and hence expecting a new APS 2.0 in near future can't be denied.