PlanetTogether APS

PlanetTogether APS is production-planning software that builds schedules around the constraints manufacturers face, from materials and labor to machine capacity and due dates. It is best suited to manufacturers coordinating complex or multi-site operations; its broad optimization and integration options are balanced by custom pricing and a server-plus-local-client deployment model.

Overview

The software combines finite-capacity scheduling with planning for materials, labor, routings, changeovers, inventory and ERP/MES data. It supports batch, discrete and process manufacturing, including organizations planning across multiple facilities. That breadth is useful when production decisions depend on interacting constraints, but may be more than a single-site operation with straightforward scheduling needs requires.

PlanetTogether was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in San Diego. It was acquired by CAI Software in August 2026.

Key features

Capacity planning, bottleneck management, material availability planning, inventory planning, analytics and what-if scenarios address different parts of the scheduling problem. Users can compare scenarios before publishing a schedule, which is valuable when material availability or capacity changes affect commitments.

The APS can sequence work using more than 50 methods, with optimization aimed at measures such as profitability, throughput or customer priority. This gives planning teams a way to align schedules with different operational goals; the value depends on choosing priorities that fit the business rather than treating optimization as a single universal objective.

For multi-site teams, shared visibility spans demand, capacity, materials, constraints and schedule performance across plants. Version 12 adds web-based reporting with embedded Power BI and a view-only web Gantt chart for published schedules. The browser tools broaden access to reports and schedules, while the scheduling client remains a local application.

Pricing

PlanetTogether APS uses custom pricing. The plan can be offered as a subscription or perpetual license; subscription fees are paid annually in advance, and fees are set on the applicable order form. Buyers should request a quote and clarify the license, annual payment terms and trial conditions before comparing total costs.

Platforms

Deployment combines a server, hosted in the cloud or on-premise, with a local scheduling application. The web application provides reporting and view-only schedule access rather than replacing that client. This arrangement offers a choice of server location, but organizations seeking a fully browser-based scheduling workflow should weigh the local-client requirement carefully.

Integration paths include APIs, database connections, flat-file exchange, middleware, Azure Data Factory and customer-owned iPaaS tools. Supported-system examples include SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, NetSuite, Infor, Epicor, QAD, AVEVA, Plex MES and Kinaxis. Security measures include encryption in transit and at rest, role-based access controls, regular audits and SOC 2 compliance, as stated by PlanetTogether.

Who it's for

PlanetTogether APS is aimed at manufacturers in sectors including food and beverage, life sciences, chemicals, aerospace and defense, industrial machinery, metal fabrication, mobility, high-tech, and printing and packaging. It is a strong fit when planners must balance finite machine and labor capacity, material constraints and shifting priorities, especially across several facilities. Smaller operations with uncomplicated schedules may find the deployment architecture and breadth of planning capabilities difficult to justify.

Professional services are supported by a network of more than 34 worldwide partners, over 25 years of industry experience and a global support team of more than 100. Client support is available 24 hours Monday through Friday through tickets and phone support. These resources matter for complex implementations, though buyers should establish the scope and cost of implementation services in the quote.

Pros and cons

• Pros: More than 50 sequencing methods let teams target distinct goals such as throughput or customer priority.
• Pros: Multi-site visibility and planning cover demand, constraints, materials and schedule performance across facilities.
• Pros: Multiple integration approaches and support for a wide range of ERP, MES and planning systems can accommodate varied technology environments.
• Cons: Custom pricing and annual advance payment for subscriptions make cost comparison and budgeting less direct.
• Cons: Scheduling requires a local client even when the server is cloud-hosted, so the product is not a fully web-based scheduling tool.
• Cons: The combination of broad capabilities and implementation services may be excessive for manufacturers with simple, single-site planning.

Alternatives

Consider SyncManufacturing if you want a paid, web-based alternative and are prepared to contact Synchrono for a demo.

Phoenix APS offers a free beta evaluation for temporary testing, but its installer license is not for production use. Choose SkyPlanner APS if Android or iOS access matters; its listed plan covers five workstations, with additional workstations available separately.

GANTTPLAN APS is worth comparing if its Starter plan's unlimited users and viewers, ERP adapter and deadline-based optimization match your needs. SchedulePro is an option for buyers preferring a published annual license price: its Fixed License is $4,500 a year per copy and includes unlimited technical support and free upgrades while maintained.

Asprova APS may suit buyers seeking a distributor quote for a self-hosted Windows product, with implementation, training, consultation and integration potentially adding costs. Accevo APS and CyberPlan APS are other paid, web-based options to compare.

For broader comparisons, see Production Scheduling Software, Manufacturing Scheduling Software, Capacity Planning Software, Advanced Planning and Scheduling Software and Production Planning Software.

Verdict

Choose PlanetTogether APS if your manufacturing operation needs detailed, constraint-aware scheduling and cross-plant coordination, with integration paths suited to an established ERP or MES environment. Its broad planning toolkit is the central reason to consider it; custom pricing and the local scheduling client are the main reasons to look elsewhere if you need predictable costs or an entirely browser-based workflow.