The primary objective of supply chain management is to take a systems approach. This involves viewing the supply chain as a whole, rather than as a collection of separate entities. By taking a systems approach, supply chain management aims to integrate and coordinate the activities of suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to optimize overall performance and achieve efficiencies across the entire supply chain. This holistic perspective ensures that decisions made in one part of the supply chain consider the impacts on other parts, leading to improved customer satisfaction, reduced costs, and better use of resources.
References
* Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Pearson UK.
* Stadtler, H., & Kilger, C. (Eds.). (2008). Supply Chain Management and Advanced Planning: Concepts, Models, Software, and Case Studies. Springer Science & Business Media.

An advanced planning and scheduling (APS) system is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the production process. Its primary functions include:
* Constraint Identification: APS systems are highly effective at identifying constraints within a facility, such as bottlenecks, capacity limits, and material shortages. By pinpointing these constraints, the system helps in planning and optimizing the use of available resources.
* Production Optimization: They optimize scheduling by considering various constraints and ensuring that production schedules align with capacity and material availability.
* Scenario Analysis: APS systems allow for the simulation of different production scenarios to determine the best course of action in response to changing conditions.
* Real-Time Adjustments: They provide real-time data and feedback, enabling quick adjustments to production plans to address issues as they arise.
References
* "Advanced Planning and Scheduling in Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management" by Hermann Meyr, Marc Salomon, and Carlo Veilleux
* APICS, "Advanced Planning and Scheduling Systems: An Overview"