APS sequencing algorithms: How do they work and where do you go?

With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (IA), the use of new algorithms for production sequencing has been gaining more and more space. But how do decisions behind these algorithms work? Whether in optimization models (such as genetic algorithms or neural networks), or in defined steps, the logic behind the APS is changing - and fast.

At Neo Summit 2024, we promote the round table “Ai: hype or reality?” , where our coi, Victor Todeschini, and Lucas Lauck, Neo Labs leader, discussed with customers the real impacts of AI on PPCP's daily life.

Already in Neo Summit 2025, the message was straightforward: Ia is not hype, it is reality. The question now is another - how to get away from the fad traps and apply this technology the right way?

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What are optimization and heuristics algorithms?

The standard concept of a production sequencing is by heuristics, which have predefined decisions to make. A simple way to understand is that, regardless of how many times we perform the heuristic, we will always have the same result, as it makes the same step by step for decision making.

Optimization algorithms come in when the goal is not only to follow a fixed step , but to look for the best possible solution within a set of restrictions and variables. Unlike heuristics, which are fast and deterministic , optimization algorithms travel multiple possibilities , often using strategies such as local search, genetic algorithms, or mathematical programming to minimize or maximize an objective function -such as total production time, delay or setup.

Opcenter APS has always been based on the concept of classic heuristics , such as sequencing for shorter processing time , shorter delivery date , similar setup , among others. These are simple rules, but they work well for a wide range of scenarios.

However, in 2023, the Neo launched its own turbocharged heuristic , called N-SBR (Neo Smart Balancing Rule). The N-SBR combines multiple criteria simultaneously-such as dates, priorities, setups, bottlenecks and historical behavior-delivering results more adherent to factory reality, with custom logic for the challenges of Brazilian industry.

But ... what if this heuristic could learn from time ? What if she adapted to different contexts alone, optimizing decisions based on real data and not just fixed rules?

This is exactly what we are starting to explore: how to boost N-SBR with artificial intelligence .

Let's dive on this border - where structured logic finds dynamic learning - and find out what happens when we combine the best of both worlds.

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Yes. But the right way.

At Neo, AI does not come to replace heuristics - it comes to enhance . Our focus is on creating a system where I was:

• Learn from historical data to suggest adjustments in the logic of N-SBR
  
  
• Simulates scenarios and evaluates impacts before execution
  
  
• Recommends alternative sequences based on hidden patterns
  
  
• Monitors real results and feeds the decision process
  
  

This is not a distant future. We are already developing this ecosystem, combining the robustness of heuristics with the adaptability of AI.

Ia is part of the solution. But it should never be an indecipherable black box .
We continue to believe in clear logic, auditable decisions and full control by the production team. So, even with Ia in the play, we keep:

• Transparency in the rules
  
  
• Speed ​​in decisions
  
  
• Flexibility to customize and simulate
  
  

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Conclusion: Technology at the service of the industry

The secret to APS success is to combine the best heuristics - simplicity, speed and efficiency - with the power of AI applied to the right points. At Neo, our commitment is to solutions that really work for the industry, running away from the fad and focusing on concrete results.

"Sequencing production in the short, medium and long term - with ease, agility, speed and assertiveness - is among the differentials that Opcenter APS gives us today."

- Anderson Petter, PPCP coordinator at America lids

If you also want to transform the planning and sequencing of your production, count on those who combine cutting -edge technology with factory floor knowledge to enhance your real business.

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