PLANETS: A Modeling System for Business Planning

Abstract

The Production Location Analysis NETwork System (PLANETS) was developed to provide General Motors with the capability to evaluate complex quantifiable business decisions. Originally implemented in 1974, PLANETS has evolved into a flexible framework for scenario description and analysis. It is now supported by Electronic Data Systems Corporation. Individuals with no prior computer or mathematical programming background use PLANETS to decide what products to produce; when, where, and how to make these products; which markets to pursue; and which resources to use. PLANETS also provides detailed shipping allocations and capital spending schedules. PLANETS' worldwide use throughout General Motors has contributed to the understanding of business problems. Usage of PLANETS in-site selection and tooling allocation studies has resulted in substantial cost avoidance.