FitFactory Scheduler

FitFactory Scheduler is production scheduling software for manufacturing subcontractors. It maps jobs across machines so teams can see booked work, clashes and available capacity, and assess capacity before agreeing to customer delivery dates. The system can arrange and prioritize jobs based on requirements, while drag-and-drop rescheduling lets users adjust work when priorities change. Planning covers work groups, holidays, absences, shift patterns and subcontracting. Production analysis can help users spot long-running jobs and tasks, as well as orders that regularly miss targets. Fitfactory says its MES modules can connect with any ERP/MRP system through an open API; Scheduler can also be combined with Machine Monitoring and shop floor data capture. The subscription includes support, online help manuals, a ticketing system and ongoing updates. UK-based support is available Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm. Pricing is on request. Training is charged separately at £955+VAT per day, with at least two days recommended for new purchases.

FitFactory Scheduler combines machine scheduling, capacity planning and production analysis for subcontract manufacturers. Consider the separate training charge and request pricing details before choosing it.

It suits subcontract manufacturers, including precision engineers, fabricators, treatment houses and machine shops, that need to plan machine capacity and production work.

Overview

FitFactory Scheduler is production scheduling software for subcontract manufacturers coordinating jobs across machines. It is best suited to shops that need to match delivery commitments to finite capacity and changing resource availability. Automatic prioritisation and capacity checks give planners a practical way to organise work, though separate training costs should factor into the buying decision.

Key features

Scheduler maps booked jobs across machines to expose clashes and remaining capacity. Planners can check whether resources support a proposed delivery date before making a commitment, a useful safeguard for shops with tight schedules. Automatic scheduling prioritises jobs according to requirements, and drag-and-drop rescheduling lets planners respond when priorities shift.

Resource plans can account for work groups, holidays, absences, shift patterns and subcontracting. Support for material and labor constraints makes the schedule more representative of production limits, while what-if scenarios give planners a way to consider alternatives before changing the plan. Shop-floor updates are supported.

Production analysis can draw attention to long-running jobs and tasks, and to orders that regularly miss targets. Scheduler can also be paired with Fitfactory’s Machine Monitoring and shop-floor data capture modules. Fitfactory says its MES modules, including scheduling, can connect to any ERP/MRP system through an open API, which may suit manufacturers who need scheduling alongside existing systems.

The subscription includes support, online manuals, a ticketing system and ongoing updates. Fitfactory’s UK support team is available weekdays from 8am to 5pm. The Scheduler page displays a Cyber Essentials Plus badge; Fitfactory says it uses encryption where appropriate and deletes customer data 14 days after an agreement ends.

Pricing

The Fitfactory Scheduler subscription has custom pricing. It covers the software subscription, while training is charged separately at £955+VAT per day; Fitfactory recommends at least two days for new purchases. That recommended minimum puts training at £1,910+VAT, so buyers should include implementation support in their cost discussions. The subscription includes support, manuals, ticketing and updates.

Platforms

FitFactory Scheduler is available on Android, iOS and Windows.

Who it's for

Scheduler is aimed at subcontract manufacturers planning work against machine, labor and material limits. Precision engineers, fabricators, treatment houses and machine shops are among the kinds of UK manufacturers Fitfactory identifies as customers. It is a stronger fit for production teams that need capacity-aware scheduling and performance analysis than for organisations looking for a general-purpose calendar.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Finite-capacity planning shows clashes and available machine time before delivery dates are promised.
• Plans can account for shifts, absences, holidays, subcontracting, material and labor constraints.
• Automatic prioritisation, rescheduling, what-if scenarios and shop-floor updates support schedule changes across planning and production.
• ERP/MRP integration through an open API and optional Fitfactory modules can connect scheduling with other manufacturing systems.
• Ongoing updates and several support channels are included with the subscription.

Cons

• Custom pricing makes it difficult to compare subscription costs before requesting a quote.
• Training costs £955+VAT per day, with at least two days recommended for new purchases, adding a substantial known cost to adoption.
• Support hours are limited to weekdays, 8am–5pm UK time.

Alternatives

Compare production scheduling software if you want to assess a wider field. Choose NETVIBES if a free plan and free trial matter, or GE Vernova Proficy Plant Applications if hosted or on-premises options for process, discrete and mixed manufacturing are a better fit. SkyPlanner APS offers a five-workstation plan with a free trial, with additional scheduled production resources sold as workstation additions. Statii may suit buyers who want a month-to-month shop-floor user plan at £8.50 a month, with a free trial. For a free open-source edition or cloud planning capped at six scenarios, consider frePPLe. Phoenix APS offers a free beta evaluation license, though it is not licensed for production use. Accevo APS offers perpetual and subscription licensing. Rockwell Automation Finite Scheduler is another option to consider.

Verdict

FitFactory Scheduler is a strong candidate for subcontract manufacturers that need to plan finite machine capacity, account for real resource constraints and spot recurring production delays. Its scheduling tools and ERP/MRP integration make it relevant to shops fitting production planning into an existing manufacturing setup. Look elsewhere if predictable upfront costs matter: custom subscription pricing and recommended training of at least £1,910+VAT make the total commitment harder to assess before requesting a quote.