How do I integrate my logistics with production planning and scheduling?

In today's scenario, marked by high competitiveness, complex production chains, and increasingly demanding customers, integrating logistics into PPC (Production Planning, Scheduling, and Control) is no longer an option but a strategic differentiator for the success of operations.

However, in practice, it is still common for company to keep these areas working in isolation, resulting in bottlenecks, communication failures, unbalanced inventories and, often, delivery delays. The good news is that integrating logistics and PPC is entirely possible — and the path involves well-defined processes, technology and a collaborative culture.

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💡 Why is integrating logistics and PPC so important?

When logistics and PPC work in a synchronized way, the company gains:

• Better predictability of production and deliveries;

• Cost reduction in storage and transportation;

• Greater efficiency in the use of resources;

• Flexibility to respond to unforeseen market events;

• Increased customer satisfaction.

The integration of these areas transforms the supply chain into a fluid mechanism, capable of generating value and increasing the company 's competitiveness. And to achieve this level of excellence, more and more company are investing in specific digital solutions to connect their value chains end-to-end.

🔍 How to do it?

The first step in integrating logistics into PPC is to clearly map the company 's information and material flows. This means clearly understanding:

• How information and data circulate between purchasing, inventory, production, and transportation;

• What are the critical steps in the logistics process?

• Where do the biggest bottlenecks and communication noise occur?.

This mapping helps to identify communication failures, locate logistical and operational bottlenecks, and standardize information between sectors, creating a solid foundation for alignment between areas and an environment where everyone speaks the mes"operational language".

Next, it is crucial that production planning be based on real and up-to-date data from the logistics chain. This means that delivery times, inventory levels, transport capacity, and leadmes must always be visible and integrated into PPC tools. When this information is handled in isolation, the risk of disruptions increases considerably.  

📊 Planning based on real data

For efficient integration, PPC should work with:

• Actual delivery times;

• Leadmes for transportation and receiving;

• Storage and handling capacity.

The more accurate this data integration is, the lower the risk of delays and waste.

Another essential aspect is the use of integrated systems, such as ERPs and specialized supply chain software. These tools allow logistics to feed the Production Planning and Control PPC in real time with data on inputs and outputs, delivery status, and forecasts for receiving supplies. In this sense, technology acts as the link between planning and execution, ensuring quick responses to unforeseen events.

💻 Technology as a link

Integrated management systems, such as ERPs and specialized supply chain platforms, are fundamental for connecting logistics and PPC Product-Purchase Control). They enable:

• Updating and sharing information in real time, such as inventory, order, and shipping data;

• Automating alerts and updates;

• Monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs).

Technology transforms the flow of information into an agile and reliable process.

Beyond technology, integration depends on a collaborative culture between teams. Without shared indicators, each area may work with conflicting priorities. Therefore, it is important that logistics and PPC share clear objectives and common performance indicators, such as order fulfillment rate, logistics service level, and adherence to the production plan. This helps reduce conflicts and guides decisions towards what really matters: efficient service and delivering value to the customer.  

🎯 Goals and indicators aligned

Without shared indicators, each area may work with conflicting priorities. Some essential metrics:

• On-time delivery fee;

• Inventory turnover;

• Adherence to the production plan;

• Customer service level.

Another point that deserves attention is the joint planning of scenarios. Situations such as supplier delays, sudden increases in demand, or logistical constraints should be simulated and discussed in an integrated manner. This practice strengthens the company 's ability to react, reduces the impact of unforeseen events, and promotes more proactive supply chain management. Anticipating problems and creating action plans is a practice that differentiates reactive company from strategic company .  

Finally, it is important to establish a routine of frequent alignment between the logistics and PPC mes . Weekly or daily meetings, shared dashboards, and clear communication are fundamental to adjusting the plan according to the real market and operational conditions. Integration is not a one-off event, but rather a continuous process of alignment and improvement.

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🚀 Boost your operations with Siemens solutions

To achieve these benefits, Siemens offers a powerful combination of solutions: SDL AX4 , a logistics collaboration platform, and Opcenter APS , an advanced production planning and scheduling system. The integration of these tools allows for the synchronization of delivery and receiving deadlines with production planning, rapid response to unforeseen logistical or production events, and reduced communication failures between supply chain, production, and transportation.

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🧩 SDL AX4 + Opcenter APS: Efficient integration from planning to execution

While the SDL AX4 acts as a logistics hub, connecting suppliers, carriers, and distribution centers in real time, Opcenter APS works to create intelligent and dynamic production plans, optimizing resources and capabilities based on real constraints.

By being fed reliable logistics data directly from the SDL AX4 Opcenter APS planning becomes realistic and aligned with the reality of the logistics chain, capable of anticipating transportation and supply constraints, while mes flexibility for quick adjustments without compromising deliveries. Together, these tools enable:

• Synchronize delivery and receiving deadlines with production planning;

• React quickly to unforeseen logistical or production problems;

• Reduce communication gaps between supply chain, production, and transportation;

• Increase operational efficiency;

In the Siemens ecosystem, interoperability between the SDL AX4 and Opcenter APS enables the sharing of logistics and production data in real time, reduces manual errors and rework, and automates alerts about schedule and capacity deviations. With the SDL AX4 integrating logistics and Opcenter APS controlling production planning, information flows automatically between areas, strengthening alignment and data-driven decision-making. Through this integration, management becomes guided by single, reliable data points.  

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✅ Conclusion

Integrating logistics and PPC is a strategic step that allows you to transform challenges into opportunities, making your operation more efficient, agile, and competitive. The synergy between planning and execution reduces costs, improves deadlines, and generates real value for the customer. Thus, by combining robust solutions such as SDL AX4 and Opcenter APS , your company transforms planning and execution into a continuous and intelligent flow, capable of adapting quickly to market changes and guaranteeing excellent deliveries .

👉 Request a personalized demonstration and discover how to increase the efficiency of your operation.

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