Production scheduling is one of the most complex and time-consuming parts of a label and packaging operation. Schedulers must continuously balance machine capacity, setup times, delivery priorities, materials, production constraints, and last-minute changes—often under significant time pressure.
Tempo helps simplify that process.
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Previously known as the CERM Scheduling Optimizer, Tempo is a browser-based application that uses configurable business rules and live information from the CERM MIS to generate optimized production schedules within seconds.
The new name reflects the application’s role in creating a more efficient and consistent production rhythm.
While the name has changed, the objective remains the same: reduce the manual work required to build and maintain an effective production schedule. Tempo evaluates jobs, resources, priorities, and production requirements to propose an optimized schedule based on the rules defined by each converting business.
This gives schedulers a reliable starting point without taking away their control or expertise.
Every production environment works differently. Equipment, workflows, delivery commitments, setup requirements, and operational priorities vary from one converter to another.
That is why Tempo does not impose a fixed scheduling methodology. Its configurable rules allow companies to define what matters most within their operation.
Tempo can take relevant production factors into account, such as:
Delivery dates and job priorities
Machine and resource availability
Production sequences and dependencies
Setup requirements and changeovers
Materials and other production constraints
Company-specific planning preferences
Once these rules are configured, Tempo evaluates the available data and automatically creates an optimized production schedule.
When new orders are entered, priorities change, or production conditions are updated, Tempo can recalculate the schedule using the latest information available in the CERM MIS.
Instead of manually comparing multiple reports and repeatedly moving jobs between machines or time slots, schedulers receive a clear overview of the complete production chain.
They can then focus on exceptions, urgent changes, and decisions that require human expertise.
The result is a faster and more consistent scheduling process, with greater visibility across production and better use of available capacity.
Tempo is not a standalone scheduling tool. It is fully integrated with the CERM MIS and works with information already available within the system.
This connects scheduling with the wider production workflow, including sales orders, job specifications, materials, equipment, delivery requirements, and other relevant MIS data.
Because the schedule is built using connected operational information, planners do not need to recreate data in a separate system. This helps reduce manual work, supports more reliable decision-making, and keeps production planning aligned with the rest of the business.
Tempo continues the evolution of CERM’s production scheduling capabilities, with a focus on automation, usability, and flexibility.
The application combines:
A modern, browser-based interface
Configurable rule-based scheduling
Automated schedule generation within seconds
Direct integration with the CERM MIS
The flexibility to adjust planning rules as business requirements evolve
A clearer overview of jobs across the production workflow
Together, these capabilities help planners manage increasingly complex production environments without losing control over the final schedule.
Tempo will be showcased live during LOUPE Americas 2026, taking place September 15–17, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Visitors can see CERM Tempo in action at the CERM Studio, Booth #3419, where the CERM team will demonstrate how rule-based scheduling can help simplify production planning and optimize production workflows.
Alongside Tempo, visitors will also be able to discover other recent CERM developments, including Lexis, Smart BI Enterprise, enhanced quality management and traceability capabilities, and an exclusive preview of O2, CERM's new cloud-based MIS platform.
Register for a CERM Studio session or schedule a personalized demonstration during LOUPE Americas to discover how CERM Tempo can support your production scheduling process.
