MQM – Machine Queue Management

MQM (Machine Queue Management or Machine Schedule Management) module is a semi-automatic, visual job scheduling tool designed for textile and apparel manufacturers, specially designed by Datatex as a part of NOW ERP software solution for textile and garment industry.

MQM helps planners optimize machine utilization, reduce bottlenecks, and improve on-time delivery by combining real-time ERP data with advanced graphical scheduling.

Using interactive Gantt charts, compatibility rules, and what-if simulations, MQM enables production teams to manage complex machine queues across spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing, cutting, and garment operations.

What is the MQM module?

The MQM module manages final capacity scheduling at machine level, allowing planners to sequence production demand and production order steps on individual resources or work centers.

It receives production steps, calendars, and work centers from NOW ERP and returns optimized schedules with planned start and end dates—ensuring realistic, capacity-aware execution aligned with delivery commitments.

How does machine queue scheduling work in MQM?

MQM combines manual control with automatic optimization:

• Planners work on a visual Gantt chart, scheduling jobs directly on machines or work centers

• Jobs can be placed manually via drag-and-drop or automatically using heuristic algorithms

• The system continuously evaluates capacity, setup times, material availability, and constraints

• Scheduling decisions are instantly synchronized with NOW ERP data

This approach allows schedulers to stay in control while dramatically reducing planning time and errors.

What types of production processes does MQM support?

MQM is designed for all major textile and apparel production stages, including:

• Spinning

• Warping and sectional warping

• Yarn bobbin, rope, and slasher dyeing

• Weaving (single, double, towel beams, etc.)

• Knitting

• Dyeing and finishing

• Printing

• Cutting and sewing

• Garment washing, finishing, and embellishment

Key features of the MQM module

• Visual Gantt scheduling at machine or work-center level with drag-and-drop

• Automatic sequencing using heuristic optimization algorithms

• Job splitting and grouping across multiple machines or lines

• Compatibility rules for job-to-resource, job-to-job, and capacity reservation

• Finite capacity scheduling with bottleneck detection

• Material and resource checks, including labor and tooling constraints

• Overlap and conflict management with visual alerts

• What-if scenarios for testing alternative schedules

• Multi-department and multi-user support with role-based access

• Real-time integration with NOW ERP System, exchanging calendars, work centers, and production steps

How does MQM optimize machine utilization and reduce bottlenecks?

MQM evaluates each scheduling decision using compatibility cases, ranging from optimal (no setup required) to non-feasible placements.

By sequencing jobs to minimize setups, reduce idle time, and balance workloads, MQM helps manufacturers:

• Maximize machine and labor utilization

• Reduce queue times and WIP inventory

• Detect and resolve bottlenecks before they impact delivery dates