Why we recommend phased rollout
Many scheduling failures come from big-bang go-lives: whole plant switches at once, every module enabled, every role trained simultaneously—one weak link forces rollback.
We recommend three phases: validate data and process in one controlled scenario, expand modules and roles, then connect multi-site coordination. Each phase has clear success criteria and exit conditions.
Phase 1: Single-scenario validation (~4–8 weeks)
Pick a shop or line with clear order types and an engaged planner champion. Import real data; validate field quality, constraint modeling, and scheduling rhythm. Goal: prove COMPASS handles real decisions—not plant-wide launch day one.
- Scope: 1–2 order types, one main line or assembly segment;
- Data: capacity calendars, priority rules, basic routings;
- Loop: import → schedule → tune → confirm → execution feedback;
- Success: planners use it daily—not "for the project only."
Phase 2: Expand modules and roles (~2–3 months)
After stability, add Gantt drag, capacity alerts, document collaboration, and AI suggestions. Production, procurement, and subcontract enter the same workspace with permissions.
Focus shifts from personal tool to collaboration platform: different roles, same plan version. Stand-ups and weekly reviews reference COMPASS—not competing spreadsheets.
- Version compare for "last week vs this week" retros;
- Extension or file import to cut manual entry;
- Role permissions: planners write, others read or partial write.
Phase 3: Multi-site coordination (~6+ months)
When single-site process is mature, add cross-plant load balancing, shared capacity views, and unified version management. COMPASS supports cloud, dedicated cloud, or on-prem—but coordination builds on validated data and process.
Common multi-site needs: orders routable to Plant A or B with global capacity view; shared critical materials; group-level plan versions and KPI dashboards.
Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them
Pitfall 1: pilot too large—scope explodes, issues hard to isolate. Fix: one line, one order family.
Pitfall 2: ignoring data quality—garbage in, garbage out. Fix: dedicate phase 1 to cleansing and mapping.
Pitfall 3: no business champion—passive planner participation. Fix: enlist a senior influencer planner.
Pitfall 4: IT/business misalignment—integration schedule vs business rhythm. Fix: progressive integration, capture before API.
Takeaway
From one-shop pilot to multi-plant coordination is as much change management as technology. COMPASS supplies capability; success needs phased, champion-led, verifiable rollout.
Planning a go-live path? Talk to us—we can tailor phase advice to your org size and IT landscape.