Introduction

The ASPEN APS/Unified Certification – Exam Preparation program is a focused, hands-on training course developed by Global Horizon Training Center to help professionals master AspenTech's Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) and Aspen Unified platforms. Designed specifically to support certification exam readiness, this course combines in-depth technical instruction, real-world scenario modeling, and simulation-based learning.

Participants will gain the necessary knowledge to navigate the APS suite, understand integration with other AspenTech tools (like Aspen PIMS-AO and Aspen DMC3), and apply planning and scheduling solutions to solve complex production and supply chain problems.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core concepts and architecture of Aspen APS and Aspen Unified platforms.

• Build, configure, and manage models in Aspen Plant Scheduler and Aspen Unified Planning.

• Integrate APS with ERP and manufacturing execution systems (MES).

• Perform demand, supply, and production planning using Aspen tools.

• Apply optimization and constraint logic to solve real scheduling problems.

• Prepare thoroughly for the official ASPEN certification exam with exam-aligned content and simulations.

Organizational Impact

Organizations that certify staff in ASPEN APS/Unified benefit from:

• Improved production planning and scheduling accuracy.

• Enhanced operational efficiency and throughput.

• Reduced downtime and inventory holding costs.

• Stronger alignment between supply chain and production.

• Increased ROI from AspenTech software investments.

• Better internal capability to support digital transformation.

Target Audience

This program is tailored for:

• Production Planners and Supply Chain Professionals

• Process Engineers and Industrial Engineers

• Operations Managers and Manufacturing Analysts

• Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0 Teams

• IT and MES/ERP System Integrators

• Professionals seeking ASPEN APS/Unified certification

Outlines

Day 1: Introduction to Aspen APS and Unified Platform

• Overview of AspenTech Solutions: APS vs Unified

• Architecture and Integration: APS, PIMS, MES, ERP

• Key Modules: Aspen Plant Scheduler, Aspen Unified Planning

• Installation and Environment Setup Overview

• Navigating the User Interface and Key Functionalities

• Case Study: Digital Planning in a Refinery Setup

Day 2: Demand Management and Supply Network Configuration

• Demand Planning Fundamentals

• Configuring Planning Models: Products, Resources, and Routes

• Calendars, Shifts, and Equipment Modeling

• Inventory Targets and Safety Stock

• Supply Chain Network Design in Aspen Unified

• Hands-on Lab: Building a Basic Supply Plan

Day 3: Advanced Production Scheduling

• Introduction to Aspen Plant Scheduler (APS)

• Model Building: Constraints, Changeovers, and Sequencing Rules

• Finite Scheduling and Gantt Chart Interpretations

• Backward vs Forward Scheduling

• Real-Time Rescheduling and What-If Analysis

• Exercise: Solving Scheduling Bottlenecks in Batch Processing

Day 4: Optimization, Integration, and Data Management

• Optimization Parameters and Constraint Handling

• Integration with Aspen PIMS-AO and Aspen DMC3

• Data Import/Export and ERP/MES Interfaces

• Exception Handling, Alerts, and Rule-Based Automation

• Real-Time Scenario Testing and Plan Reconciliation

• Lab: Integrated Planning and Scheduling Use Case

Day 5: Certification Exam Preparation and Final Assessment

• ASPEN Certification Exam Format and Topics

• Practice Exam 1: Timed Multiple-Choice Test with Review

• Practice Exam 2: Scenario-Based Simulation Exercise

• Review of Common Errors and Knowledge Gaps

• Final Capstone Project: Building a Unified Planning Model

• Certification Strategy, Tips, and Q&A Session