Your Experience Counts—Contribute to Academic Research in 10 Minutes
In collaboration with Asprova and other consortium partners, the Center Integrated Business Applications (CIBA) at RWTH Aachen Campus is conducting a cross-industry study on the future of production planning and scheduling. Focusing on emerging technologies, regulatory trends, and modern IT system architectures, the study explores current developments and challenges in the field. The aim is to identify the direction production planning and scheduling is headed— and to advance the tools needed to support it. At the heart of the study lies one question: How must software solutions evolve to truly meet companies’ needs?
Why Your Participation Matters
Technologies such as artificial intelligence, SaaS platforms, and new integration strategies hold significant potential for more efficient and sustainable planning and scheduling processes. At the same time, uncertainties remain: Which solutions work in real-world applications? What challenges are still unresolved? This study aims to answer these questions—based on insights and assessments from industry professionals.
Focus Areas and Key Questions
The online survey explores three main areas within production planning and scheduling. First, it examines technological developments—particulary the use of artificial intelligence and large language models in planning and scheduling systems. Second, it addresses sustainability and circular economy strategies, including regulatory requirements such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP). Lastly, the study looks at future system architectures, addressing the question of whether integrated platforms or best-of-breed approaches offer greater advantages.
The study centers on three key questions:
- Where do companies currently see potential to improve their production planning and scheduling?
- What challenges do they face in handling new technologies and sustainability demands?
- And to what extent are these topics already embedded in planning and scheduling practices?
What You Need to Know
The survey is open to all companies and professionals involved in production planning and scheduling—regardless of industry or company size. Completing the survey takes about 10 minutes and is available in both German and English. The deadline for participation is May 9, 2025. Take the Survey in English.
Participants will receive a summary of the findings after the study concludes. In addition, everyone who completes the survey will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee for the Congress on Business Applications, taking place June 25, 2025, in Aachen. Five free tickets for CBA Aachen 2025 will also be raffled among participants.
If you’re interested, you may also contribute to the study in greater depth through a one-on-one interview. Simply check the box at the end of the survey—or get in touch.
About CIBA and RWTH Aachen
CIBA is part of RWTH Aachen Campus and brings together industrial and academic partners to design high-performance, sustainable IT landscapes for manufacturing companies. RWTH Aachen is one of Europe’s leading technical universities, known for its research excellence and close ties to industry. As a consortium partner and active member of the CIBA network, Asprova supports this study with the goal of making planning and scheduling technologies smarter, more connected, and future-ready.
Learn More
- Download the CIBA Flyer—Download
- Study Press Coverage (German)—Industrieanzeiger
- Study Press Coverage—UdZ—The Data-Driven Enterprise