Companies need to implement corrugated packaging management software that enables effective planning and scheduling of product. With growing customer expectations for rapid turnaround, tighter delivery windows, and sustainable operations, manufacturers are under intense pressure to optimize production while maintaining agility and profitability.

Amid this complexity, the adoption of intelligent automated scheduling tools is transforming the way packaging manufacturers operate—streamlining processes, reducing waste, and boosting operational resilience.

Aberdeen Group, a leading industry analyst firm, highlights the importance of effective scheduling by stating:

“Best-in-class manufacturers have established common information platforms that enable interoperability throughout manufacturing, support for the detection and response to anomalies, and the foundation for visualization and scenario planning. 

 

In this paper we discuss 7 key considerations to optimize scheduling in your corrugated packaging business.

  • Automate the Routine to Focus on the Exceptions

Traditional scheduling in corrugated plants is often manual, heavily reliant on individual knowledge, and lacks responsiveness to real-time changes. Advanced scheduling tools use a configurable points-based algorithm to automate machine scheduling. This automation should handle at least 80% of the workload, freeing up planners to manage exceptions like hot orders or late changes.

Key Takeaway: Invest in automation that reflects your plant’s unique priorities—due dates, sheet availability, changeover times—and reduce manual intervention.

  • Real-Time Visibility for Better Decision-Making

A dynamic graphical interface allows stakeholders across production, customer service, and shipping to see the live status of jobs, sheet deliveries, and machine utilization. Dashboards that show capacity improve communication and help avoid misalignment.

Key Takeaway: Visibility into real-time production data empowers faster, more informed decisions across departments.

  • Tight Integration with ERP and DMI Systems

A scheduler’s effectiveness is tied to data accessibility. With an advanced scheduling system, all ERP data such as order specs, customer rankings, WIP status, and shipping plans are embedded directly into the scheduling interface. Integration with shop floor systems that monitor progress ensure the schedule stays current based on actual machine activity.

Key Takeaway: Ensure your scheduling solution is deeply integrated with both your ERP and direct machine interface systems.

  • Drive Measurable Impact Through KPI Tracking

Real-time dashboards help track automation levels, throughput, and capacity use. For example, the tracking of the on time in full (OTIF) metric can help increase performance in this area.

Key Takeaway: Tie scheduling improvements directly to plant KPIs like OTIF, throughput, and labor utilization.

  • Empower Teams with Visual Communication Tools

Visual tools to monitor scheduling reduce expediting stress, improve coordination, and align customer service with operations.

Key Takeaway: Use large screens, visual dashboards, and user-friendly interfaces to improve alignment across the plant.

  • Create a Self-Directed Work Environment

Long-term scheduling optimization isn’t just about automating a lineup—it’s about enabling machines and operators to function as autonomous work cells. With each machine center given a screen and real-time data, crews can make better decisions without relying on supervisory intervention.

Key Takeaway: Shift toward decentralized execution by giving frontline teams real-time tools and visibility.

  • Fit the Tool to the Business—Not the Other Way Around

Customizing the scheduling tool to model the way the company operates is important and not adjusting the business to fit the software. This mindset allowed organizations to achieve deeper adoption and better results.

Key Takeaway: Customize your scheduling logic and interface to align with your plant’s real-world processes and constraints.

Conclusion

Optimizing scheduling in the corrugated packaging industry demands more than just better software. It requires alignment of technology, process, and people. Organization’s success comes from automating the routine, empowering the team with visibility and tools, and connecting improvements to real business outcomes like OTIF. For corrugated manufacturers looking to reduce chaos, improve throughput, and deliver with precision, these key considerations provide a practical roadmap.

Mark Sekula, Director of Marketing, Amtech Software