CAI Software Acquires PlanetTogether; Strengthening Advanced Planning and Scheduling Capabilities Across Manufacturing
CAI Software acquired PlanetTogether on June 24, 2026, to integrate Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) capabilities into its manufacturing software suite. According to CAI CEO Brent Pietrzak, the acquisition adds constraint-based optimization and capacity planning to CAI’s existing ERP and MES offerings across more than 15 core industries.
The deal brings PlanetTogether’s specialized tools for process and discrete manufacturers into a portfolio that already includes Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). CAI announced that the move aims to help manufacturers optimize multi-plant capacity and reduce the time spent on replanning production schedules.
Why did CAI acquire PlanetTogether?
CAI sought to fill a specific gap in its software offerings. Brent Pietrzak, CEO of CAI, stated that customers requested trusted planning and scheduling capabilities to work alongside the ERP and shop-floor solutions they already use. By adding PlanetTogether, CAI now provides tools for constraint-based optimization and “what-if” simulations.
These tools allow manufacturers to test production scenarios before committing changes to the shop floor. According to the company, this capability is critical for organizations operating in complex environments like food and beverage, chemicals, and consumer packaged goods.
What happens to the PlanetTogether product and its users?
The software is being rebranded as “CAI PlanetTogether.” CAI confirmed the product will continue to be sold and supported as a standalone solution. This allows existing users to maintain their current workflows while gaining access to CAI’s broader resource scale.
Jim Cerra, founder of PlanetTogether, noted that joining CAI provides the resources and industry depth necessary to accelerate the product’s growth. The acquisition was supported by legal counsel Paul Hastings and financial advisors Maven Advisory for CAI, while KPMG Corporate Finance served as the exclusive advisor for PlanetTogether.
How will AI and cloud development change manufacturing scheduling?
CAI plans to utilize its R&D center of excellence to advance the PlanetTogether roadmap. The company specifically highlighted investments in AI, advanced analytics, and cloud development.
The shift toward cloud-based APS allows for real-time data synchronization across multi-plant environments. When paired with AI, these systems can move from reactive scheduling to predictive optimization, identifying potential bottlenecks before they stop production.
This transition addresses a common industry pain point: the “disconnected process.” By integrating APS with MES and ERP, CAI aims to create a single digital thread from the initial order to the finished product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS)?
APS is software that uses algorithms to optimize production schedules based on available resources and constraints, such as machine capacity and material availability.
Will PlanetTogether still work as a standalone tool?
Yes. CAI stated that CAI PlanetTogether will continue to be sold and supported as a standalone product.
Which industries benefit most from this acquisition?
The tools are designed for process and discrete manufacturers, specifically those in chemicals, industrial verticals, and food and beverage sectors.
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