A Manufacturing Execution System, or MES, is essential in today’s manufacturing industry. But what is MES? A MES system ensures that the information collected on the production floor can be shared with office staff. This optimizes production processes as it enables monitoring of consumption, yields, orders, inventory, and quality in real-time. MES systems are not only found in production but also in logistics, quality management, and among product and process technologists. If you want to maintain continuous improvement, you simply cannot do without MES software.
The main benefits of MES are:
More real-time insights into the production process. These insights, derived from the vast amount of data collected by the MES system, lead to more efficient production and cost savings.
Less need to purchase and store inventories ‘just in case’. The MES system updates inventory immediately with any changes in production (such as production line downtime), so the purchasing department always knows the exact inventory levels and which materials need to be ordered. This allows for easy savings on storage space and transportation costs.
Improved and consistent quality control. The MES system continuously monitors quality, allowing production to be stopped immediately when an issue arises. This prevents wastage of production materials and time on products that do not meet quality standards.
Creation of a paperless workplace, reducing the chance of human errors. Data is recorded directly from the workplace through MES software and then directed to the appropriate decision-makers via connected systems. Decisions can then be made based on real-time data.
Increased uptime. The MES software helps create a realistic production schedule, considering the availability of personnel, equipment, and materials, allowing for optimal resource utilization and increased equipment effectiveness and production line uptime.
How does a MES system work exactly?
A MES system serves as supporting software for the entire production line: from the process to the raw material inventories and the final end product. A MES system provides the right information to machines and operators exactly when needed. Additionally, the MES software records everything that happens during the production process, allowing for valuable data-driven improvement processes. A Manufacturing Execution System is thus a dynamic form of production software that limits manual and paper-based operations, including tracing, documentation, and control within the production process.
How do MES and ERP work together?
Many companies in the manufacturing industry are familiar with using an ERP system. ERP can be seamlessly combined with Manufacturing MES to streamline data from the shop floor to all involved departments. The MES system receives orders from the ERP system and shares the relevant information with various production departments. All information is then collected by the MES system and shared with the ERP system, creating an ERP/MES collaboration where all departments have real-time insight into production data. It is important that MES software is carefully implemented and properly connected to ERP.
The technical challenges of a MES system
Implementing a MES system requires a high degree of digitalization within the production process. Therefore, it may not be immediately feasible for every factory to maintain the MES system. For ‘smart factories’, a MES system will be the final step in the process of production improvement, while factories that make little use of cloud connectivity, the Internet of Things, and other forms of digitalization and automation will have more steps to take. Regardless of the stage of the process, the EZ-GO platform offers many solutions for creating a paperless factory where smart solutions are expected to lead to higher efficiency. We are always ready to brainstorm with you, so feel free to contact us!