Manufacturing Use Case

Unlocking Production Line Efficiency with
AI-Powered Scheduling

Reduce machine idle time by 18% and improve on-time orders by 25%

This mid-sized manufacturer transformed production efficiency through an AI-powered scheduling solution — without replacing their ERP system.

When Growth Meets Scheduling Chaos

A growing Midwest manufacturer of industrial-grade components was facing a common issue: success brought complexity. They ran multiple short-run jobs across several work centers, relying on printed schedules and manual updates to sequence work.

Their ERP generated static job lists, but it couldn't adapt to rush orders, machine downtime, or real-time floor changes. As a result:

Static ERP job lists didn't reflect real-time shop floor realities

Planners spent hours each day manually sequencing jobs across machines

Machines were underutilized due to poor handoff timing and changeovers

Last-minute rush orders disrupted schedules and delayed deliveries

Production scheduling board

Steps to Success

Captivix first delivered a working AI pilot for intelligent scheduling using the client's historical data. After validating results with real teams on the shop floor, we scaled the model into a fully integrated scheduling engine — now driving production efficiency every day.

01

Use Case Definition & Pilot Scope

The client approached Captivix with a clear need: improve production scheduling efficiency without overhauling their existing ERP. Together, we scoped a pilot project focused on:

Reducing machine idle time
Improving on-time order completion
Automating job sequencing with minimal human intervention
Prioritized BOM optimization as the most impactful and feasible use case
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Use Case Definition & Pilot Scope
02

Data Review & Feasibility Assessment

To ensure the AI model could learn real-world patterns, our team collected and analyzed extensive operational data:

Collected 3 years of production data, including job histories, shift schedules, and downtime logs
Analyzed ERP-generated schedules vs. actual shop floor performance
Cleaned and structured the data for model training
Discover Models
Data Review & Feasibility Assessment
03

Pilot Development & Testing

We developed a reinforcement learning-based AI scheduler that could dynamically optimize production sequences:

Optimize job sequences across multiple machines and shifts
Adapt to dynamic inputs like priority changes or downtime events
Simulate and recommend better sequences compared to manual plans
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Pilot Development & Testing
04

On-Floor Validation & Feedback

The client's scheduling team and line supervisors reviewed AI-generated schedules vs. their own, providing critical real-world validation:

The AI schedules consistently improved machine utilization
Manual schedule revisions dropped significantly
Floor teams trusted and adopted the system with minimal pushback
Feedback loops helped fine-tune priority logic and exceptions
Pilot Development
On-Floor Validation & Feedback
05

Automation & System Integration

With proven pilot results, we are moving towards a full automation deployment with seamless ERP integration:

Integrating the scheduling engine with the client's ERP system to pull live data
Building custom dashboards for supervisors to review and adjust schedules
Enabling real-time re-optimization based on floor activity and disruptions
Full Agentic AI Implementation
Automation & System Integration
Scheduling Results Dashboard

From Firefighting to Flow — Smarter Scheduling at Scale

The AI scheduler transformed how the client runs production — shifting from reactive planning to proactive execution, without changing their ERP or team structure.

18%
Reduction in machine idle time
25%
Improvement in on-time orders
60%
Reduction in manual scheduling time
Real-time
Dynamic schedule optimization
18% reduction in machine idle time
25% improvement in on-time production orders
60% reduction in manual scheduling time
Supervisors now focus on exceptions, not juggling job lists

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AI-powered production scheduling

Success Stories

Real Results, Real Impact

See how leading companies have transformed their operations with Captivix.

Ready to Transform Your Production Scheduling?

Let's discuss how AI-powered scheduling can reduce idle time and improve on-time delivery for your manufacturing operations.