In addition to native MTConnect and OPC UA Ethernet protocols for modern CNC machines, JobPack® supports older or legacy equipment using hardware connectivity solutions. By installing standard current sensors and digital I/O hardware kits (such as our standard EH110 kits for HAAS, OKUMA, or general 110VAC signals), JobPack® can capture real-time uptime, downtime, and alarm conditions across your entire shop floor. This ensures a unified view of all machines, regardless of age or manufacturer. Explore our Machine Monitoring capabilities or request a custom connectivity review with our engineering team.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Our goal is to make your experience as streamlined and simple as possible. Below is a list of frequently asked questions by those interested in improving their approach to production scheduling. We would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.
Capabilities
How does JobPack® connect to legacy machinery for real-time machine monitoring?
What is JobPack® Shop Floor Data Collection, and how does it replace paper job packets?
JobPack® Shop Floor Data Collection (WIP Booking) replaces paper traveler packets with digital work queues and paper-free digital job packets. Operators access a live, prioritized queue of operations directly at their workstations, seeing setup times, run times, and target due dates. They record setup, starts, completions, and part quantities in real time with electronic signatures and time stamps, which instantly updates the central Scheduler. This complete audit trail eliminates manual entry, reduces administration costs, and provides total visibility into work order status. Learn more about going paperless with Shop Floor Data Collection or book a personalized demo.
How does the JobPack® Scheduler optimize our production schedule around real capacity?
JobPack® dynamically schedules operations based on your actual machine and labor capacity, normal working hours, and material availability rather than assuming infinite resources. The visual drag-and-drop Scheduler identifies potential bottlenecks and scheduling conflicts weeks before projects are due, allowing planners to run "what-if" scenarios to find the most efficient path. This realistic scheduling helps manufacturers improve on-time delivery by up to 17% and maximize equipment utilization. Learn more on our Production Scheduling solution page or request a live demo to see it in action.
Does JobPack® utilize MTConnect to gather data from my machines?
Yes, we use MTConnect protocols to gather data from the machine. We can also configure an unlimited number of fault reasons to be defined by the operator so you can gather machine info and identify external reasons when machines are idle or waiting.
Can JobPack® capture machine events and machining time?
Yes, JobPack® provides machine monitoring for both new and legacy machines to capture uptime and downtime. You can use this data to look at key downtime reasons and start making the biggest impact to your efficiencies right away.
Will I have to manually schedule the work in JobPack®?
JobPack® will optimize you schedule to hit as many delivery dates as possible within your normal working business hours and capacity, and load machines so they are not sitting idle. That means you get more work out on time in the same number of hours so you can invoice more dollars.
What makes the JobPack® Scheduler different from other scheduling tools on the market?
Our main focus has always been production scheduling. We have refined our software for over 18 years to accommodate a wide range of scenarios. We provide our customers with the relevant data and real schedule dates for orders.
Do I need to replace my ERP or existing software to use JobPack®?
No, we can import the data we need for scheduling from your existing ERP. JobPack® can also run stand-alone.
ERP Integration
What ERP systems does JobPack® integrate with, and is custom development required?
JobPack® integrates bi-directionally with over 95% of our customers’ existing ERP systems (including popular discrete manufacturing ERPs like Epicor, Plex, Syspro, and custom databases). Because our engineers have built and maintained robust database schemas for the most common manufacturing ERPs, we can quickly map and import your sales orders, inventory, routings, and bill of materials (BOM) without requiring expensive custom development or additional fees from your ERP vendor. Learn more about our universal compatibility on our Why JobPack page or schedule an ERP integration review.
What is the basic data you need to be able to schedule jobs in JobPack®?
Basic work order or sales order info (part ID, quantity, delivery date) and basic routing/process steps. Routings can also be created in JobPack® and copied over the next time the same part is ordered.
Will I have to change the setup of my ERP in any way to use JobPack®?
No, JobPack® is versatile so that changes are easily made in our system to accommodate how your ERP was setup.
Do I need to add more detailed routing data to my ERP prior to using JobPack® if I want the systems integrated?
No, we can import as much or as little data as needed. If you do not have all the details in your ERP we can fabricate the data upon import, or the data can be kept in JobPack®.
Support
What are the phases of JobPack’s signature 6-week implementation methodology?
JobPack’s industry-leading 6-week implementation timeline gets your shop floor up and running in a fraction of the time of enterprise competitors (which often take 6 to 12 months). Our structured deployment follows three clear phases:
- Weeks 1-2 (Discovery & Planning): Requirements gathering, workflow analysis, machine connectivity assessment, and ERP data mapping.
- Weeks 3-4 (Installation & Config): Server setup, ERP integration configuration, machine network installation, and custom workflow development.
- Weeks 5-6 (Training & Go-Live): Multi-tiered training for administrators, operators, and planners using your actual live shop floor data, culminating in a parallel run and go-live.
Read our Success Stories to see how companies successfully transition, or request a demo to plan your rollout.
What should we expect during a personalized JobPack® demo, and how do we prepare?
A personalized JobPack® demo is a collaborative session tailored to your specific shop floor challenges, machine types, and current software stack. During the demo, our experienced manufacturing engineers will walk you through how the Scheduler models your specific constraints, how we connect your machines, and how our ERP integration handles your data structure. To prepare, we recommend gathering a brief summary of your machine inventory, your current ERP system, and your primary operational bottlenecks. Request your live demo today to see how JobPack® can optimize your efficiency.
Will I need to leverage my ERP vendor to import data into JobPack® from our ERP?
Our engineers integrate the JobPack® Scheduler with over 95% of our customers who have an existing ERP in place. We have many database schemas for the most popular ERP systems, so there will be no need for added costs from your ERP vendor.
How do I know if I need a Scheduling (MES) system versus an ERP?
Often times many of the issues you are having are caused by lack of visibility of a schedule. If you know exactly when jobs will start, finish, be affected by changes, etc., you can control inventory levels better, provide accurate dates to you customers, better turnaround from your vendors, etc. JobPack® scheduling can resolve many issues that are common to manufacturing.
What is a typical implementation time for JobPack®?
Since our main focus is scheduling we can install, import data (if required) and train the user in as little as 3 weeks from start to finish. On average implementation time requires 8-10 weeks.
Can you update JobPack® if we already have a shop floor data collection system?
Yes, JobPack® can supply you with its own data collection to update work order progress, or we can import the status of jobs from your existing system.
Will my planner(s) struggle to use and understand the JobPack® Scheduler?
JobPack® has an intuitive interface that your planners will understand with ease. Sign up for a live demo to see how easy but effective our system can be through its easy-to-use graphical interface.
JobPack® gives us better accuracy on delivery promises. But even more important is that when there are problems, we see them weeks before projects are due so we have time to take actionKVI Ultra Precision Tooling & EDM See Success Stories