The New CIMCO Scheduler: Key Features in Development

Following our recent preview of the new CIMCO Scheduler, this article and video highlight some of the key features currently under development.

The video above introduces the overall concept of the new Scheduler. In the following sections, we take a closer look at some of the key features currently under development.

Visual Timeline Scheduling

Production planners schedule operations directly in a visual timeline where work orders can easily be reviewed across all machines. Operations can be moved using drag and drop, making it simple to react to changing priorities, delays, or machine availability without navigating through multiple dialogs.

Machine Compatibility Validation

Each operation can only be scheduled on machines capable of performing the required work. Instead of relying on manual checks, the Scheduler automatically prevents operations from being placed on incompatible machines, reducing planning errors before production begins.

Operation Dependencies

Many work orders require operations to be completed in a specific sequence. The Scheduler visualizes dependencies across multiple machines, making it easy to understand how one operation affects another throughout the production process.

Development is also underway on advanced dependency handling, allowing downstream operations to begin either after a previous operation has finished completely or once a specified number of parts have been produced. This provides greater flexibility for overlapping operations and helps reduce unnecessary waiting between production steps.

External Operations

Not every operation takes place on the shop floor. The Scheduler also supports external operations, allowing work orders to include processes performed outside the scheduled production flow, such as heat treatment, coating, painting, inspection, or other external services.

External operations appear directly in the timeline alongside internal production, giving planners a complete overview of the entire manufacturing process from start to finish.

Live Machine Status

Through its integration with CIMCO MDC-Max, the Scheduler displays the current machine status directly inside the planning interface. Production planners can immediately see whether a machine is Running, Setup, Maintenance, Idle, or in another production state while reviewing the schedule. This provides immediate visibility into shop floor activity without switching to separate monitoring screens.

Individual Machine Shifts

Working hours can be configured individually for every machine. By default, scheduled operations automatically respect each machine’s shift calendar and wrap around periods where no operators are available.

For unattended production, planners can also allow selected operations to continue running overnight or outside normal working hours.

Overdue Work Orders

Overdue work orders are clearly highlighted directly in the timeline, making them easy to identify during daily planning. The due date remains visible, allowing planners to quickly understand where production is behind schedule and prioritize accordingly.

Active Issues Overview

A dedicated issue overview provides planners with a live list of active production issues. Selecting an issue automatically navigates the timeline to the affected work order, making it quick to locate and resolve scheduling problems.

History and Traceability

Every planning change is recorded. Detailed history information makes it possible to see when a work order was modified, who made the change, and exactly what was changed, providing complete traceability throughout the planning process.

Detailed Work Order Information

Detailed work order and operation information is available directly from the timeline, allowing planners to review production details without leaving the scheduling view.

Built on CIMCO MDC-Max

Rather than introducing another standalone planning system, the new Scheduler is being developed as an integrated module for CIMCO MDC-Max.

Existing MDC-Max customers can simply add Scheduler to their current installation and immediately benefit from the live machine data, dashboards, integrations, and infrastructure already in place.

New customers can start with a streamlined MDC-Max installation focused on planning and expand into machine monitoring, data collection, and production analytics whenever needed.

Visit Us at IMTS 2026

Visit us at IMTS 2026, September 14–19. You can find us at Booth 133217 in the East Building, Level 3 – Software.

We look forward to demonstrating the new CIMCO Scheduler and showcasing the latest features currently under development. You can find more information at imts.com